Archival Collections
The archival, or paper-based, collections in Founder’s Hall include:
This category includes his incoming and outgoing correspondence, year-by-year receipt books, and records of his Bank, some ship log books, maps and charts, and his personal library (1780 – 1831).
This nationally significant collection is available on microfilm to scholars at the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia.
- The Architectural Drawings Collection
This group includes most of the 1832 competition drawings for Girard College and many of T. U. Walter’s construction drawings for the original campus.
Most of the images are published in the book Monument to Philanthropy: The Design and Building of Girard Collect 1832 – 47 (Girard College, 1998). This book can be used as a reference volume by appointment at Founder’s Hall. It can also be purchased and shipped to interested individuals.
- The Girardiana Collection
Includes items relating to the history of the school (1848 - present), including photographs, publications, newsprint, etc. The items primarily focus on student life at Girard College rather than the adult accomplishments of the school’s graduates. This collection is non-circulating but available to researchers by appointment at Founder’s Hall.
