Resources in Early American History
 All
Sorted by:  
Results:  24 Items   Page: 1 2  Next
1Author:  Gliddon, George R.(George RobiRequires cookie*
 Title:  Analecta hieroglyphica, 1839-1841     
 Dates:  1839-1841 
 Abstract:  This notebook contains a manuscript copy of George Gliddon's account of Egypt. The notebook contains numerous sketches.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.493.1.G491 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Americans Abroad | International Travel 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Egyptian language -- Writing, Hieroglyphic 
2Author:  Dupré, Augustin, 1748-1833Requires cookie*
 Title:  Drawings and matrices of medals relating to the American Revolution and the United States     
 Dates:  n.d. 
 Abstract:  Augstin Dupre was a prominent artist in eighteenth century France. This collection consists of a series of medals, sketches, and engravings that commemorate the American Revolution that the U.S. commissioned Dupre to create. The collection includes sketches and medals commemorating Daniel Morgan, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and "American liberty." Perhaps the most important sketch and medal is that of the American Eagle, which served as the basis for the official American eagle and was placed on the $10 gold coin in 1795. The dates of Dupre's work range from the 1780s to the 1790s. Aside from the collection's artistic value, the detailed sketches and splash medals provide material artifacts from the printing industry and culture of commemoration of the 18th century.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.737.44.D92 
 Extent:  0.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  American Revolution | International Affairs | Literature, Arts, and Culture 
 Genre:  Art | Sketchbooks 
3Author:  Clark, William, 1770-1838Requires cookie*
 Title:  William Clark diary, August 25, 1808 - September 22, 1808     
 Dates:  August 25, 1808 - September 22, 1808 
 Abstract:  This document is a private journal of William Clark from his time as an Indian agent in the Midwest after the completion of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The journal chronicles his expedition to treat with the Osage Indians. The journal contains a wealth of information, including a vivid account of every days' events, a sketch of a map, and a chronicle of the Indian-white relations.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.3.L58c 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Native America | Trade | Travel 
 Genre:  Sketchbooks | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Indians of North America -- Treaties | Osage Indians -- Treaties 
4Author:  Seybert, Adam,1773-1825.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Adam Seybert commonplace book, 1810     
 Dates:  1810 
 Abstract:  Adam Seybert's large commonplace book captures his varied interests. Seybert was an American engineer who was educated in Europe. The content often reflects his interests in engineering and current affairs, such as notes on canals or on population growth. Among other things discussed are: cotton policy, American independence, profiles of individuals, descriptions of foreign countries and cities, and the military. Included in the book is a watercolor of Quebec with details on the Battle of Abraham in 1759. Much of the data is taken from other sources, and Seybert often cites where he got the information.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.Se95 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  American Revolution | Engineering | Literature, Arts, and Culture | Military History | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Commonplace Book | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Agriculture | Commerce. | Finance. | Transportation. | Weights and measures. 
5Author:  Pursh, Frederick, 1774-1820Requires cookie*
 Title:  Journal of a botanical excursion in the Northeastern parts of Pennsylvania and in the state of New York, 1807     
 Dates:  1807 
 Abstract:  This volume contains the travel journal of Frederick Pursh, a patron of Benjamin Smith Barton, during his journey from Philadelphia throughout northeastern Pennsylvania and New York. Although the excursion was for botanical research, Pursh's diary entries record many other details, including comments on the state of roads, the people he met, the towns he visited, and the natural environment. There are two sketches in the volume.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.580.P97 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Colony and State Specific History | Natural history | Pennsylvania History | Travel 
 Genre:  Scientific Data | Sketchbooks | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Botany -- New York (State) | Botany -- Pennsylvania. 
6Author:  Le Conte, John Eatton, 1784-1860Requires cookie*
 Title:  Entomological drawings, n.d.     
 Dates:  n.d. 
 Abstract:  These eight volumes of John LeConte's work contain thousands of entomological drawings, some in color and others in black and white. A couple of drawings have been attributed to Titian Peale.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.595.7.L493 
 Extent:  8 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Science and technology 
 Genre:  Art | Scientific Data | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Beetles. | Diptera. | Entomology. | Flies. | Hemiptera. | Hymenoptera. | Insects. | Lepidoptera. | Myriapoda. | Natural history. | Spiders. 
7Author:  AnonymousRequires cookie*
 Title:  Notes on Mexican Antiquities     
 Dates:  1785-1806 
 Abstract:  Compiled by an anonymous traveler to Mexico sometime in the 19th century, this large volume contains hundreds of extremely intricate pencil and watercolor sketches of Mexican artifacts and sites that were seen during an expedition to Mexico.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.913.72.N84 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Beyond Early America | International Travel | Literature, Arts, and Culture 
 Genre:  Art | Sketchbooks | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Indians of Mexico | Mixtec Indians 
8Author:  Nevins, Pim, 1756-1833Requires cookie*
 Title:  Pim Nevins Journal     
 Dates:  1802-1803 
 Abstract:  This bound volume contains a travel journal of Pim Nevins, an English Quaker who traveled throughout the Mid-Atlantic from 1802-1803. The journal begins in New York City and follows Nevins throughout the Mid-Atlantic, including stops in Trenton, Easton, Bethlehem, Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Baltimore. Nevins traveled with Joshua Gilpin, whose journal has been published.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.3.N41 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Natural history | Religion | Travel 
 Genre:  Art | Sketchbooks | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Society of Friends -- Missions 
9Author:  Day, Sherman,1806-1884.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Ephraim Dyer IV Collection, ca. 1842, of the sketches of Sherman Day     
 Dates:  Circa 1842 
 Abstract:  This collection contains the proofs of images for Historical Collections of the State of Pennsylvania. The book is over 700 pages long with more than 200 images. The book and images capture Pennsylvania life past and present and can provide insight into the customs of the period. Days' engravings provide detailed images of towns and areas of Pennsylvania circa 1840. Some of the over 250 images included in this collection are: Pittsburgh with steamboats traveling up the rivers and smoke spouting in the sky from factories, a redoubt at Fort Pitt, a vista of Reading, mines in western Pennsylvania, Native American engravings found on a rock, the public squares at Chambersburg, Lancaster and Erie, and Ephrata's houses.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.48.D33 
 Extent:  0.5 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Literature, Arts, and Culture | Pennsylvania History | Social Life and Custom 
 Genre:  Art | General Correspondence | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Architecture -- Pennsylvania. | Delaware Indians | Indians of North America -- Pennsylvania | Landscape -- Pennsylvania. | Seneca Indians 
10Author:  Dunbar, William, 1749-1810Requires cookie*
 Title:  Expedition Journals     
 Dates:  1804-1806 
 Abstract:  The William Dunbar expedition journal contains a variety of information on his travel through what would become Arkansas. His writing is lucid and detailed. Dunbar noted meteorological observations and a variety of flora and fauna the expedition encountered, sometimes drawing comparisons to what other naturalists had observed, such as William Bartram in East Florida. He also described encounters with settlers and comments on the geopolitical history of the region. Finally, he chronicles the customs of Native Americans in the area, which are often based on not personal interactions. Notably, George Hunter, the second in command on the expedition, did tend to note interactions with Native peoples. His journal is also held at the APS.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.7.D91 
 Extent:  0.1 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Exploration. | Native America | Trade | Travel 
 Genre:  Meteorological Data | Sketchbooks | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Caddo Indians | Chickasaw Indians | Chippewa Indians | Dakota Indians | Exploration | Hot springs -- Arkansas | Meteorology -- Louisiana | Natural history -- Louisiana | Ojibwa Indians | Osage Indians 
11Author:  Lea, Isaac, 1792-1886Requires cookie*
 Title:  Isaac Lea journals, 1832, 1852-1853     
 Dates:  1832-1853 
 Abstract:  Isaac Lea was a Philadelphia based geologist and publisher. He was primarily a publisher, founding the firm Lea and Febiger, which had its origins in Matthew Carey's publishing house. Isaac married Carey's daughter Frances Anne in 1821. Always interested in science, in 1851, after retiring from the day-to-day operations of his printing firm, he dedicated his time to geology and other scientific interests. This collection contains the journals of Isaac Lea's trips to Europe in 1832 and 1852-53. Lea traveled to Europe to become acquainted with European ideas and methods, although both trips – especially the earlier one – included much sightseeing. Very much a gentleman scientist, Lea gained wide-respect for his knowledge and work, earning an honorary doctorate from Harvard. These travel journals provide insight into some of the people and practices he encountered in Europe that may have shaped his ideas about science.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.L462 
 Extent:  16 volume(s) 
 Topics:  American Revolution | Americans Abroad | Military History | Printing and Publishing | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Art | Sketchbooks | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Naturalists. 
12Author:  Benbow, John, Jr.Requires cookie*
 Title:  The Bee Book     
 Dates:  1846-1854 
 Abstract:  The "Bee Book" is a small, pocket-sized notebook kept by John Benbow, an amateur beekeeper. The journal is handwritten and has extensive and detailed sketches of beehives and beekeeping. The 250 page volume details beekeeping practices, customs, and stories. It contains a log of Benbow's practice from 1846-1854. The book is intended to be not only a guide to beekeeping, but also a source of entertainment and is filled with amusing anecdotes and sketches.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.630.4.B43 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Beyond Early America 
 Genre:  Art | Diaries | Manuscript Essays | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Bee culture -- Great Britain 
13Author:  Roux de Rochelle, Jean Baptiste Gaspard, 1762-1849Requires cookie*
 Title:  Etats-Unis d'amerique     
 Dates:  Circa 1837 
 Abstract:  These two bound volumes contain a printed copy of Jean Baptiste Gaspard Roux de Rochelle Etats-Unis D'Amerique, a Frenchman's take on American history and culture, and a volume that contains what appears to be drafts of the images that were printed in the book. Many of the images in the second volume appear to be based upon more well-known works of art. Some are in color.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.3.R76 
 Extent:  2 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Literature, Arts, and Culture 
 Genre:  Art | Foreign Language | Printed Material | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Delaware Indians | Indians of North America -- Florida | Indians of North America -- North Carolina | Lumbee Indians | Mohawk Indians | Oneida Indians | Seminole Indians 
14Author:  McKenney, Thomas Loraine, 1785-1859Requires cookie*
 Title:  Sketches of a Tour to the Lakes     
 Dates:  1826 
 Abstract:  This is a manuscript copy of Thomas McKenney's Sketches of a Tour of the Lakes, which was a chronicle of his tour of the Great Lakes region when he served as Superintendent of Indian Affairs. His journal was eventually published in Baltimore in 1827. The original journal not only records his observations and interactions, but, as the federal official in charge of Indian policy, reflects his thinking on federal Indian policy. His observations also reflect, to some extent, his interpretation of Indian history. A color image of O Shau Gus Coday Way Gua (Mrs. Johnson) in included in the volume. This image graces the cover of the book in black and white. There are other watercolor sketches as well.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.7.M19 
 Extent:  3 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Government Affairs | Native America 
 Genre:  Art | Official Government Documents and Records | Sketchbooks | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Indians of North America -- Great Lakes (North America) | Indians of North America -- Treaties | Ojibwa Indians | Ojibwa language -- Dictionaries -- English 
15Author:  Baldwin, Loammi, 1780-1838Requires cookie*
 Title:  Loammi Baldwin diary, 9 September 1823 - 29 November 1823     
 Dates:  1823 
 Abstract:  The Diary of Loammi Baldwin (September 9 – November 29, 1823) chronicles a portion of Baldwin's trip to Europe where he observed European canals and other internal improvements. Baldwin was a leading civil engineer in antebellum America, and he traveled to Europe to learn about tested methods and good practices that he could bring back to America. The journal begins with Baldwin departing London for Dover and follows his trip through Holland and France. The diary contains numerous sketches of machinery, including carriages, canals, locks, boats, and steam-engine parts. There are also observations on European cities, towns, and customs. Many of the canal sketches are elaborate and detailed.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.B189 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Americans Abroad | Business and Skilled Trades | Engineering | International Travel | Science and technology | Travel 
 Genre:  Art | Scientific Data | Sketchbooks | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Canals -- Belgium. | Canals -- Design and construction. | Canals -- England. | Canals -- France. | Canals -- Netherlands. | Technology - History 
16Author:  Bunbury, Charles James Fox, Sir, 1809-1886Requires cookie*
 Title:  Sir Charles James Fox Bunbury papers, 1845-1852     
 Dates:  1845-1852 
 Abstract:  The Charles Bunbury Collection contains a wealth of information on fossils. Sir Charles Bunbury was a nineteenth century geologist and paleontologist. The majority of the documents in collection are Bunbury's own notes on the subject of fossils. These very detailed notes contain a wealth of information on fossil finds and can provide insight into the prevailing ideas and debates about fossil remains. The collection includes a range of material, including a draft of an essay on algae, reports and analysis of important fossil finds, and reviews and notes on recent publications. The collection also includes a number of Bunbury's private notebooks in which he describes fossils he has seen or read about in great detail, thus giving modern researchers access to information on remains that may no longer be in existence.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.B88 
 Extent:  0.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Natural history | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Notebooks | Scientific Data | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Fossil fuels -- Pennsylvania. | Mineralogy | Paleobotany -- Germany -- Aachen. | Paleobotany -- Nova Scotia -- Cape Breton Island. | Paleobotany -- Pennsylvania. 
17Author:  Morris, Anthony,1766-1860.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Anthony Morris papers, ca. 1690-1830     
 Dates:  Circa 1690-1830 
 Abstract:  The Anthony Morris Collection is a miscellaneous collection of materials relating to the life of this Philadelphia businessman. The type of material includes some correspondence, many receipts, various business records, and a few deeds, one of which dates to 1681. Most of the documents come from early to mid nineteenth century. There is a particularly large collection of Anthony Morris's correspondence, dating mostly to the early nineteenth century. There are also architectural drawings of a Fellenberg Institution, a school that would use the educational techniques created by a Swiss educator. The Institution was proposed to be built on Morris' property. Morris, born in 1766 and dying in 1860, was from a prominent Philadelphia family and served as a merchant and legislator.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.M836 
 Extent:  1 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Business and Skilled Trades | Education | Trade 
 Genre:  Business Records and Accounts | Educational Material | General Correspondence | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Agricultural colleges -- Pennsylvania. 
18Author:  Say, Thomas, 1787-1834Requires cookie*
 Title:  Thomas Say papers, 1819-1883, 1955     
 Dates:  1819-1883 
 Abstract:  The Thomas Say Collection contains correspondence and scientific material relating to Say's work as a conchologist. The correspondence has a few items written to the New Harmony utopian community before Say decided to live there. The scientific correspondence contains letters to prominent fellow natural historians, such as Charles Lucien Bonaparte. The data includes sketches of shells, some in color. There is also a relatively detailed biographical profile, likely written in the late-nineteenth century.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.Sa95.g 
 Extent:  0.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Land and Speculation | Natural history | Science and technology | Surveying and Maps 
 Genre:  General Correspondence | Maps and Surveys | Scientific Data | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Entomology. | Mollusks. | Natural history. 
19Author:  Questebrune, JohnRequires cookie*
 Title:  A Short Introduction to Natural Philosophy     
 Dates:  1718-1720 
 Abstract:  This volume compiles a wide array of scientific knowledge for the early eighteenth century. John Questerbrune wrote the volume between 1718 and 1720. It covers natural philosphy, medicine, astronomy, and the environment. The hand-written volume includes a series of sketches.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.500.Q3 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Literature, Arts, and Culture | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Art | Dissertations | Educational Material | Manuscript Essays | Maps and Surveys | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Anatomy -- 18th century | Astronomy -- 18th century | Botany -- 18th century | Chocolate | Coffee | Conception -- Early works to 1800 | Death | Diseases | Medicinal plants | Mineralogy -- 18th century | Natural history -- 18th century | Occultism -- Early works to 1900 | Physics -- Ireland -- Early works to 1800 | Religion and science | Sympathy | Tea 
20Author:  Bancker familyRequires cookie*
 Title:  Charles Nicoll Bancker family papers, 1733-1894     
 Dates:  1733-1894 
 Abstract:  This extensive collection (13 boxes) contains a range of correspondence, although the bulk of it relates to Charles Nicoll Bancker, a prominent Philadelphia businessman in the 1800s. The letters provide a picture of the family life and business career of Bancker from his earliest beginnings to his success later in life. Aside from the Charles Bancker portion of the collection, the holdings contain a wide variety of other documents, ranging from colonial era documents written in Dutch in Albany to letters from James Madison to Thomas Jefferson from the nineteenth century on religious education.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.B22.c 
 Extent:  3.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  American Revolution | Antebellum Politics | Business and Skilled Trades | Colonial Politics | Colony and State Specific History | Early National Politics | Education | Land and Speculation | Literature, Arts, and Culture | Marriage and Family Life | Pennsylvania History | Philadelphia History | Social Life and Custom | Trade | Travel | Women's History 
 Genre:  Business Records and Accounts | Family Correspondence | General Correspondence | Literature | Manuscript Essays | Political Correspondence | Sketchbooks | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Insurance agents -- United States. 
Page: 1 2  Next