The museum at Founder’s Hall contains two artifact collections: 

• The Stephen Girard Collection is Philadelphia’s great intact single-owner collection from the early national period.  These original items (1780 – 1830), including furniture, silver, paintings, ceramics and textiles, were owned and used by Stephen Girard in his Philadelphia townhouse at 23 North Water Street.  The rare survival of both Girard’s artifacts and archives means that for many objects we know original maker, year of manufacture and purchase price.   

Most of the furnishings were made in Philadelphia, France or China.  The extensive silver collection represents products of Philadelphia, England and France.

Most of the artifacts are included in the illustrated catalog The Stephen Girard Collection (Girard College, 1980).  The booklet is available as a reference volume by appointment at Founder’s Hall.  It can also be purchased and shipped to interested individuals.

 

• The Girardiana Collection includes ephemera items detailing the history of the school, 1848 – present.  It includes a wide variety of three-dimensional memorabilia relating to the students, faculty and campus.