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Orphan Society of Philadelphia records, 1930-1965 (bulk) 1815-1965 (inclusive)

Extent:

4.5 linear feet

Abstract:

The Orphan Society of Philadelphia, founded in 1814, was the first non-sectarian orphanage in Pennsylvania. In 1965, due to low enrollment and financial and staffing issues, the Orphan Society merged with the Elwyn School, now known as Elwyn, in Delaware County, Pa. The Orphan Society of Philadelphia records, 1815-1965 (bulk 1930-1965), consist of administrative and financial records, legal documents, historical files, orphan records, and other materials. Of special interest is an Orphan Asylum register listing orphan admissions (name, birth date, admission date) and dates of discharge or death from 1815 to 1896.

Held at: Elwyn Historical Archives and Museum [Contact Us]

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Eastern State Penitentiary oral history project, 1993-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:

5.0 linear feet

Abstract:

When it opened in 1829, the State Penitentiary for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ("Eastern State Penitentiary") was the world's first true "penitentiary" in the sense that it was designed to inspire true feelings of penitence in the hearts of inmates. Initially characterized by its system of strict isolation and grand architecture, more than 300 prisons on five continents were modeled after Eastern State Penitentiary. Over 142 years of operation, the system of isolation was gradually abandoned and the penitentiary became a traditional modern prison; in 1971, the facility was closed. The Eastern State Penitentiary oral history project, 1993-2012, consists of about 130 oral history interviews with former inmates, employees of the State Penitentiary for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ("Eastern State Penitentiary"), family members of employees, and volunteers such as Chaplains.

Held at: Eastern State Penitentiary [Contact Us]

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First Baptist Church of Philadelphia records, 1690-1906, 1690-1906 (inclusive)

Extent:

8 boxes

Abstract:

Notable for its early leadership in Baptist organization and evangelism, the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia was prominent both in its region and city and in the transatlantic community of Baptists. Records include annual reports, membership records, bulletins, scrapbooks, and biographies as well as records specific to the Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Treasurer, Pew Committee, Bible School, Board of Christian Education, and various women's and missionary groups.

Held at: American Baptist Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Fireman's Hall Museum Philadelphia Fire Department collection, 1871-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:

69.5 linear feet

Abstract:

The Philadelphia Fire Department traces its roots to a series of volunteer fire companies that were organized beginning in 1736. In 1871 it was established as a professional fire department and has continued to serve the city of Philadelphia. The Fireman's Hall Museum Philadelphia Fire Department collection, 1871-2012, is comprised of memoranda and publications produced by the Philadelphia Fire Department.

Held at: Fireman's Hall Museum [Contact Us]

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Sam Psoras photographs, circa 1950-2000

Extent:

3.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Samuel S. Psoras (born 1926) was a photojournalist at Philadelphia Daily News for over 50 years. This collection consists of photograph negatives and prints taken by Psoras of Philadelphia fires. Some are identified with location.

Held at: Fireman's Hall Museum [Contact Us]

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Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia records, 1869-1965 (inclusive)

Extent:

11.75 linear feet

Abstract:

The Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia was a corporation organized and funded by various fire insurance companies to protect and salvage property in or near to burning buildings. It was active from 1869 to 1962. Fire fighters employed by the Fire Patrol attended the same fires visited by the Philadelphia Fire Department, but with a slightly different focus to their work. The Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia records, 1869-1965, consist of fire log books, minute books, printed annual reports, and various financial and administrative records.

Held at: Fireman's Hall Museum [Contact Us]

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John Robrecht papers, circa 1942-1992

Extent:

1.0 linear feet

Abstract:

John Robrecht (1916-1993) served as historian to the Philadelphia Fire Department and was an honorary Deputy Chief. The John Robrecht papers, circa 1942-1992, consist of research materials relating to fire fighting history, fire departments, and fire apparatus.

Held at: Fireman's Hall Museum [Contact Us]

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Harry A. Hornor lantern slides, circa 1900-1920

Extent:

3.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Harry A. Hornor (1874-1939) was an electrical engineer who lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and worked for the New York Ship Building Corporation in Camden, New Jersey. Hornor published several papers in prestigious science and engineering journals related to electrical engineering on ships. The Harry A. Hornor lantern slides, circa 1900-1920, consist of two hundred and thirty-five lantern slides depicting images of ships, as well as their construction, launches, interiors, mechanics, equipment, and other aspects. There are also images of diagrams, drawings, and schematics related to the electrical engineering aspects of ship building.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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J. Norman Spawn lantern slides and stereopticons, circa 1890s-early 20th century

Extent:

3.5 linear feet

Abstract:

J. Norman Spawn lantern slides and stereopticons, circa 1890s-early 20th century, consist of approximately two hundred images that depict locations in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Montana, Colorado, Canada, Italy and other places in Europe, Egypt, and other locations. Some of the images are images of drawings and other documents. Some of the images may be commercially published.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

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The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute glass plates and lantern slides collection, late 19th century-early 20th century

Extent:

20.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1824, in honor of America's first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and most important science institutes in the nation. Its mission is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology. The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute glass plates and lantern slides collection, late 19th century-early 20th century, consists of over two hundred images including children's story slides, travel slides, positive and negative glass plate images of the phases of the moon and an eclipse, and other images. Of special interest in this collection are several glass plate negatives created by artist Thomas Eakins depicting some of his studies of human motion, as well as some glass plate positives from Eadweard Muybridge related to his own studies of motion.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]