David McNeely Stauffer was an eminent civil engineer, author, and antiquarian. From 1893 to 1913 he devoted much of his time to the extra-illustration of "Westcott's History of Philadelphia, 1609-1829" as printed in the Sunday Dispatch. The total…
Frank M. Etting's connection with the Historical Society began in 1855 when he was elected recording secretary at age 22. After a decade in the army, 1861-1870, he returned to Philadelphia to begin a career of public service. He became director of…
This is an artificial collection created by HSP staff, containing manuscript materials from many sources. The collection is arranged alphabetically and primarily by individual, but unlike the "flat" collection, is far smaller in extent. Within this…
Ferdinand Julian Dreer’s chief hobby was collecting autographs. He started with two documents and over time he was able to amass more than 15,000 items from some of the world’s most prominent and intriguing public figures. Owing to this interest,…
Ferdinand Julian Dreer’s chief hobby was collecting autographs. He started with two documents and over time he was able to amass more than 15,000 items from some of the world’s most prominent and intriguing public figures. Owing to this interest,…
Membership certificate for a mutual aid society for sailing ship pilots established in Philadelphia in 1788. A large central oval contains a scene on the Delaware Bay showing sailing ships and the lighthouse at Cape Henlopen. To the right of the…