Processing and Preserving the Chew Family Papers

FAIN: PC-50159-07

Historical Society of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA 19107-5699)
Matthew Lyons (Project Director: March 2007 to May 2010)

Arranging, describing, conserving, and rehousing 400 linear feet of records of the Chew family of Philadelphia covering the period from 1760 to the present.

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) seeks to address the preservation and access needs of one of its largest and most significant collections, the Chew Family Papers. This material was identified as having exceptionally high research value and significant preservation needs in a comprehensive survey of HSP's holdings in 2002. The collection, totaling 400 linear feet, spans nearly four centuries and provides extraordinary documentation of our nation's development, offering new insight into issues including as slavery and gender roles. Staff will arrange and completely describe the collection, providing a detailed EAD finding aid and series-level records in OCLC (intergrating RLIN) and on HSP's web-accessible OPAC. Reserachers' ability to locate, use, and handle this material will be greatly enhanced. This project will have a significant impact on the quality and depth of scholarship in and public understanding of existing and emerging topics in American history.