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HSP's technical services archivist since 2007.

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A New Genealogical Collection: The Vauclain Family Papers

Earlier this year, HSP received into its collections the Vauclain family papers and genealogical research files (Collection 3666). Philadelphia-born Samuel Matthews Vauclain Sr. (1856-1940) worked with Philadelphia's Baldwin Locomotive Works from the 1890s until his death. He presided as president of the organization from 1919 to 1929. Samuel Sr. and his wife Anne Kearney had several children, including Samuel Matthews Vauclain Jr., who later worked for Baldwin. Samuel Jr. married Mary Hilda Canan in 1906.

Roots & Branches: Genealogy at HSP
8/14/12
19th century, family history, Genealogy, Samuel Matthews Vauclain, Vauclain family, Vauquelin family
Penn professor Michael M. Dorizas competed in the 1908 Olympics for what country?

Question of the Week
7/29/12
20th century, Michael Dorizas, Recreation and Sport, University of Pennsylvania
Comments: 4
More than shuffling papers: Current intern projects

The summer is in full swing at HSP, and in archives that means we have welcomed two new interns into the ranks: Arek and Allison.  Both have been working hard on numerous projects, including updating our free space inventory and assisting Project Archivist Willhem Echevarria on collections he's processing for the NHPRC Civic Engagement Collections project.  They've also been hard at work inventorying and processing collections of their own.  Here's a rundown of those collections.  Links to the finding aids will be posted once their work is complete, but all these collect

Fondly, Pennsylvania
7/23/12
19th century, 20th century, Arts and Culture, Business, Depression, internships, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
What organization was founded in Philadelphia in 1931 as an association of Italian American artists?

Question of the Week
7/22/12
20th century, Arts and Culture, Da Vinci Art Alliance, Immigration, Nicola D'Ascenzo
What Philadelphian was famous for dodging the World War I draft?

Question of the Week
7/15/12
20th century, Grover Bergdoll, Industry, World War I
Where was author Louisa May Alcott born?

Question of the Week
7/8/12
19th century, Arts and Culture, Louisa May Alcott, Women
What is the name of Pennsylvania's oldest church?

Question of the Week
7/1/12
17th century, Colonial period, Gloria Dei, Native American, Old Swedes' Church
Snyder Avenue in South Philadelphia was named after which Pennsylvania politician?

Question of the Week
6/24/12
Government and civics, Politics, Simon Snyder
What Philadelphia engraver created noteworthy political caricatures of the War of 1812?

Question of the Week
6/17/12
Arts and Culture, Politics, William Charles
A short history of Flag Day

It's tough being a holiday in June.  Just ask Flag Day.  Between Memorial Day and July 4th, people are out and about, vacationing, ending classes, and celebrating the beginning of summer.  Nobody has time to pay the ol' Red, White, and Blue any mind. 

Fondly, Pennsylvania
6/13/12
18th century, 19th century, 20th century, American Flag, Betsy Ross, Flag Day, Government and civics, John Paul Jones, national holidays, United States flag