Library Archives & Special Collections

University Archives and Special Collections closed until June 3rd

julie — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:26:48 +0000

The University Archives and Special Collections will be closed until June 3rd, 2013.

In the interim, I bring you this picture of Edgar, who clearly is in rapture over Bach’s Kantatenwerk in the Whitaker Collection. If you’re not familiar with Edgar, the Archives penguin, you should head over to the Archives Facebook page where he has his own album. While you’re on the Facebook page, be sure to check out the album “Photos in search of stories”. These are unlabeled photos in the Archives, and I’d really appreciate help in identifying who is in them, when they were taken, and the occasion of the photos. If you know any of that information, please leave a comment under the photo. Thanks!

Commencement

julie — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:57:51 +0000

It’s the Pomp and Circumstance time of year.

The Hooding ceremony:

Receiving the diploma from the bishop:

Walking to St. Mary’s for Baccalaureate Mass:

Charles Carroll’s signature

julie — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:00:51 +0000

Here is the signature of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, who was a delegate to the Continental Congress, and the longest-lived and last surviving signatory of the Declaration of Independence:

Carroll signed this on May 24, 1826, when he was 88 years old. He lived to be 95.

This is also in a letter in the Winslow Family Papers.

Alexander Hamilton’s signature

julie — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:50 +0000

Here is Alexander Hamilton’s signature, from one of the letters in the Winslow Family Papers:

Hamilton was one of the Founding Fathers, and he served as the first Secretary of the Treasury (1789-1795) under George Washington. He was mortally wounded in a duel with Aaron Burr on July 11, 1804, and died on July 12th.

William Ellery’s signature

julie — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:00:19 +0000

Here is WIlliam Ellery’s signature from ship’s pass for the Betsy of Newport that is signed by George Washington, December 12, 1796.:

Ellery, a Newport native, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a representative of Rhode Island. He also served as a judge of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island. His signature is on this document because he was the first customs collector of the port of Newport under the Constitution.

Ellery is buried in the Common Burying Ground in Newport. William Ellery Channing, the Unitarian preacher, was his grandson.

George Washington’s signature

julie — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:00:32 +0000

Here is George Washington’s signature from December 12, 1796:

It unfortunately has what appears to be a burn hole going through it, but it’s still pretty amazing to think that this document is 217 years old. It’s survival has depended on people taking an active interest in its preservation.

This is from a ship’s pass for the Betsy of Newport.

John Adams’ signature

julie — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:00:15 +0000

Here is John Adams’ signature from December 9, 1800:

This is from a ship’s pass for the Hercules Courtenay of Newport. That may just be the coolest ship’s name I’ve ever heard.

Winfield Scott’s signature

julie — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:00:59 +0000

Here is Winfield Scott’s signature from October 8, 1833:

Scott was an unsuccessful presidential candidate of the Whig Party in 1852.

One of his nicknames was “Old Fuss and Feathers”. You can’t make this stuff up.

This is another treasure in the Winslow Family Papers in Special Collections.

Thomas Jefferson’s signature

julie — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:30:26 +0000

Here is Thomas Jefferson’s signature from September 6, 1805:

This is on a ship’s pass for the George and Mary of Newport.

James Madison’s signature

julie — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:30:11 +0000

Here is James Madison’s signature from September 6, 1805:

Madison was the Secretary of State at the time, and later served as president from 1809-1817.