Archival Adventures in Small Repositories

The goal of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania's "Hidden Collections Initiative for Pennsylvania Small Archival Repositories" (HCI-PSAR) is to make better known and more accessible the important but often hidden archival collections held by the many small, primarily volunteer-run historical organizations in the Philadelphia area. The project is funded by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This blog will document the adventures and experiences of Project Surveyors as they visit historical societies, museums, historic sites, and other small archival repositories in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties.

Time Well Spent at the American Swedish Historical Museum
3/28/12
Author: Celia Caust-Ellenbogen

Our survey rate varies somewhat depending on the archives, but the Swedish Museum took a lot longer than most. Not that we minded -- the Swedish Museum is a great place to spend a day, or three! But it taught us a few lessons about what factors lead to a slower rate of surveying. As it turns out, a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing...

Topics: Ethnic history
Comments: 2
Don't Rain On My Mummers Museum Parade
3/21/12
Author: Michael Gubicza

The Mummers Parade has been a cultural institution for Philadelphians since 1901. The tradition itself dates back even further, to the late 17th century. It started as a way of ushering in the New Year with masquerades and noise making, and has grown to an organized parade of elaborate costumes, dancing, and live music. The Mummers of today number over 20,000, and the parade attendees number over 125,000. 

Topics: 20th century, 21st century, Arts and Culture, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Comments: 0
Celia's Picks at HS of MontCo
3/14/12
Author: Celia Caust-Ellenbogen

If you read my blog post about Old York Road Historical Society, you already know that the "small" in "Small Repositories Project" is somewhat variable. The Historical Society of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania is even bigger than Old York Road! Usually in these blog posts I focus on one particular collection or story, but there are so many extraordinary collections at MontCo, I was loath to choose just one. Here is a small sampling of a few of my favorites:

Topics: 19th century, 20th century, Abolition, Genealogy, Military conflict
Comments: 0
Sliker Photos at Bridesburg HS
3/7/12
Author: Celia Caust-Ellenbogen

Bridesburg is a small neighborhood in northeastern Philadelphia, but it's a well-documented one thanks to the prolific efforts of photographer William H. Sliker and his son Charles. In the first decades of the 20th century, the Slikers traveled on a regular circuit through northeast Philadelphia. They advertised their services to local residents, who rushed to have their pictures taken while the photographers were in town. Then, the Slikers brought the negatives home to their Bridesburg studio to be developed.

Topics: 20th century, Philadelphia
Comments: 0
The Legacy of Old York Road HS
2/29/12
Author: Celia Caust-Ellenbogen

It didn't take us long, working on the "Small Repository Project," to realize that there are small repositories and there are small repositories. The Old York Road Historical Society, comparatively speaking, is not such a small repository. On one hand, they do fit our profile for a small repository: no full-time, professionally-trained archivist on-staff; annual operating budget under our cut-off; primary purpose dedicated to history.

Comments: 1
Art, Archives, and Scandal at Ryerss
2/22/12
Author: Celia Caust-Ellenbogen

Housekeeper. Society wife. Globe-trotting collector of museum artifacts. Meet Mary Ann [Reed] Ryerss [Brawn], who was instrumental in the founding of the Ryerss Museum and Library in Northeast Philadelphia.

Topics: Arts and Culture, Women
Comments: 0
A Horse Of Course! at the GAR Museum
2/15/12
Author: Michael Gubicza

You may have heard of the famous talking television horse, Mr. Ed, but have you ever heard of the war veteran horse named Old Baldy? 

Topics: 19th century, 20th century, Civil War, Pennsylvania
Comments: 0
Cricket in Chestnut Hill
2/8/12
Author: Celia Caust-Ellenbogen

Grab your wickets and stumps, and put on your kit! Today we're talking about the Philadelphia Cricket Club records at the Chestnut Hill Historical Society. Did you know that Philadelphia used to be the cricket capital of America?

Topics: 19th century, Philadelphia, Recreation and Sport
Comments: 0
Deeds Indeed at Horsham PHA
2/1/12
Author: Michael Gubicza

Ever wonder you could use those piles of vellum and parchment indentures/deeds that you have lying around for? What, you don't have piles of those in your home? 

Topics: Genealogy, Pennsylvania
Comments: 1
Check Out the Union Library of Hatboro
1/25/12
Author: Celia Caust-Ellenbogen

As a student of library science with a love of history, it would have been surprising if I didn't fall in love with the Union Library of Hatboro. Of course I did. Formed in 1755, this Montgomery County institution lays its claim as the second oldest library in the state, and 12th oldest in the country.

Topics: Arts and Culture, Pennsylvania
Comments: 0