Series VII: Rochester Historical Society correspondence, 1912-1938, bulk 1921-1938, bulk: 1921-1938

Series — Box: 116-125

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This series consists of the correspondence for the Rochester Historical Society, Edward Foreman was president and Publishing Editor. The materials date between 1918 and 1937. The materials consist of correspondence, newspaper clippings, invoices, and receipts.

The correspondence in this series relates to the publication of the Rochester Historical Society Publication Fund Series that was edited by Edward Foreman, City Historian from 1921 to 1937. The correspondence includes publishing quotes, correspondence to and from authors of articles for the Series, and issues that arose. The correspondence also includes topics such as membership dues, solicitation for donations and memberships, invoices and receipts regarding maintenance and upkeep of the building at 100 Lake Avenue and the offices at Edgarton Park.

In addition to the correspondence, there are estimates, bids, contracts, and mailing lists pertaining to the publication of the publication series.

Dates

Creation: 1912-1938, bulk 1921-1938
Creation: Majority of material found within 1921-1938

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this series.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright is held by the Office of the City Historian, Rochester Public Library. Copyright of the papers in the collection may be held by their authors, or the authors’ heirs or assigns. Researchers must obtain the written permission of the holder[s] of copyright and the Office of the City Historian before publishing quotations from materials in the collection. Most papers may be copied in accordance with the library’s usual procedures unless otherwise specified.

Administrative History

The Rochester Historical Society, the brainchild of anthropologist Lewis Henry Morgan, was established in 1860 only to languish as the Civil War loomed over Rochester and the nation. In 1887, Mrs. Caroline Perkins, philanthropist and wife of businessman Gilman H. Perkins, revived the Society and led it to local prominence. The reorganization of the Rochester Historical Society in 1887 brought a new effort to create a suitable repository for the preservation of historical documents. Monthly meetings gave members opportunities to hear lectures about Rochester’s history. The attendees of the monthly meetings donated many items including newspapers, photographs, negatives, oil paintings, and other artifacts from the city’s history. The relics were first held in the library of the University and quickly out grew that repository. In 1895, the Historical Society moved to the top floor of the Reynolds Library. The library was a great repository for paper items but was not ideal for artifacts. Elmer Adler, in 1911, requested that the Society move to the new Municipal Museum. The Municipal Museum began to overshadow the Rochester Historical Society and the Society began to focus on publication rather than exhibits.

In 1921, Edward Foreman was appointed as Rochester City Historian, with that came the responsibility of Publishing Editor for the Rochester Historical Society. The Society published 24 annual volumes between 1922 and 1947. The Society began publishing annual volumes in appreciation for funding received from the city of Rochester. Initially, the Publication Fund was to publish the proceedings of the Society, papers read before the Society, and valuable manuscripts. To maintain the Publication Fund the Historical Society created a class of membership known as “Publication Members.” Publication Members would contribute ten dollars or more annually. This payment determined that the member was an active member and entitled them to a copy of all publications issued by the Society.

Extent

3.0 Cubic Feet (10 clam shell document boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Arrangement

This series consists of ten boxes divided into three sub-series:

Sub-series A: Publication Fund Series

Sub-series B: Centennial History of Rochester

Sub-series C: General correspondence

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This series was created during the daily operations of the City Historians Office.

Bibliography

”About Us & FAQ’s.” Rochester Historical Society. 2008. Accessed July 27, 2017. http://www.rochesterhistory.org/about-2.

McKelvey, Blake. "The Historic Origins of Rochester’s Museums." Rochester History 18, no. 4. October 1956.

Publications of the Rochester Historical Society Publication Fund Series Volume 1. Rochester, NY: Rochester Historical Society, 1922.

Processing Information

This series was kept in the original order. The processor removed all metal fasteners and placed acidic papers in acid free envelopes. One folder marked as miscellaneous 1932 contained one letter. That letter was removed from the file and filed alphabetically with the remaining collection.