History Archives
Online Archives
Search Our Online Archives
We are currently in the process of adding our history archives to our online database.
Online Archives made possible by a generous grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Online Digital Collection
PAFA Chester Springs Student Records (1916-1950)
Online Resource made possible through Partnership with Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Online Resource
Valley Forge Muster Roll
Online Resource made possible through Partnership with Valley Forge Park Alliance
Collections Discussions
Moore Archives History Blog
Research made possible by the Moore Archives and Historic Yellow Springs
About the Moore Archives
The Moore History Archives at Historic Yellow Springs preserves and provides access to documentary evidence of the history of the village of Yellow Springs. Collections are available for scholarly research, exhibitions, journalism, documentary productions, school programs and other research and educational activities and for those who want to know about people, places, and events in the past.
The collections represent the twelve research groups that interpret the history here. They include:
- Record Group 1 — Indigenous Peoples of Yellow Springs | Archaic Period (~8000 BCE – 1000 BCE)
- Record Group 2 — Indigenous Peoples of Yellow Springs | Woodland Period (1000 BCE – 1600 CE)
- Record Group 3 — Colonization of Yellow Springs (1600-1775)
- Record Group 4 — American Revolution & Military Hospital (1776-1781)
- Record Group 5 — Fashionable Health Spa (1782-1867)
- Record Group 6 — Pennsylvania Soldiers’ Orphan School (1868-1912)
- Record Group 7 — Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: Country School (1916-1951)
- Record Group 8 — Good News Productions (1952-1972)
- Record Group 9 — Early Years and Formation (1973-1978)
- Record Group 10 — Chester Springs Studio (1978-2007)
- Record Group 11 — Historic Yellow Springs (1978-2007)
- Record Group 12 — Historic Yellow Springs (2007-present)
(A note: The archives and the record groups are currently being updated and digitized. As such, online versions of the record groups may be mis-matched for the time being. Please request assistance from the archivist if needed!)
In addition to paper-based textual records, many collections contain photographs, sound recordings, artwork, artifacts such as furnishings, archaeological finds, and limited motion picture films and videotapes. A small reference library is available.
A written finding aid is available for most collections consisting of a scope and content note describing the content of the collection and a container list that details the contents of a collection by box and folder. Collections are currently being entered into the PastPerfect Museum program and will be electronically available when completed.
The Moore Archives acquires its collections by donation, often in conjunction with the acquisition of related artifacts and in collaboration with the archival staff. Documentation projects — including oral and video histories — actively create new research collections. Research was conducted in the early years of the Historic Yellow Springs organization and new research is added when available. Much of this early research consists of secondary source material. Of course, we continue to collect data on our present history.
To arrange your visit or donate materials, contact our Archive Department at archives@yellowsprings.org, fill out this form, or call 610-827-7414, ext. 19.
Can the HYS staff do your research?
If it does not involve a large expenditure of time for the Archivist, small amounts of photocopying or quick searches through the collections for very specific items can be done within a few weeks of the request. However, for larger jobs, you must come into the Archives or hire an independent researcher.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is an active sponsor of the Archives at Historic Yellow Springs.
Events Covered in the Moore History Archives
The Moore Archives include numerous activities and events within the regularly updated Record Groups.
Online Collection of Historic Material
We work with the PastPerfect Museum software to record and store data on our collection. The Historic Yellow Springs online collection includes all photographs, and Record Groups 4, 6 and 7. We add new records continuously, but please note that our digitization of our archives is an ongoing process.
Tour Guides
We work with our Volunteer Coordinator to develop, plan and implement tours for visitors to Historic Yellow Springs. We have hosted Quester groups, school groups, senior citizen communities, Scout groups, garden clubs, historical societies and many other historic and special interest groups. Please contact Sandy Momyer at archives@yellowsprings.org if joining our Guide program interests you.
Historical Records
Document new records and archaeological artifacts including orphan shoes found in The Washington, new art work by Albert Van Nesse Greene, orphan buttons, chards of pottery found on the property, a small sculpture done by a PAFA student, and new books published that include reference to Historic Yellow Springs.
Research for Publications
Authors writing books; artists painting pictures – needed research and images.
Joan and James Moore are philanthropic supports of the archives at Yellow Springs for over 10 years. James Moore is a descendant of Eleanor Moore, first and only female principal of the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ Orphan School. We appreciate their support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t see an answer to your question? Contact us.
In the course of daily life, individuals and organizations create and keep information about their personal and business activities. Archivists identify and preserve portions of this recorded information that have lasting value.
These records — and the places they are kept — are called “archives.” Archival records take many forms, including correspondence, diaries, financial and legal documents, photographs, books, artwork, artifacts, sound recordings, film and video.
Archives provide firsthand information about the past. They are valuable to museum researchers, scholars, students, genealogists, journalists, lawyers and others who want to know about people, places and events in the past.
Archives at Historic Yellow Springs supply information to staff and other researchers about the artifacts the museum collects and the historical themes that it studies and interprets. This information reaches broader audiences through exhibitions and publications.
Research for Historic Yellow Springs can be located in many other sources. All state governments, and many local governments, universities, businesses, libraries, and historical societies, maintain archives. The Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D. C. constitute the country’s largest concentration of archival records. Our Pennsylvania archives can be found at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and the State Archives in Harrisburg. In addition, there are many archives and manuscript repositories in the Delaware Valley including the Chester County History Center.
Local archives may be your most convenient source of answers to these frequently asked questions:
- Where can I find information on the history of my family? My community? My business or organization?
- Are the older documents in my possession valuable for historical purposes?
- What should I do with them?
Archivists identify, organize and preserve archival records. We invite you to allow our archivist to assist you to locate needed information.
General Rules
Access to materials is conditional upon adherence to the guidelines for usage. The archivist is available to answer questions about handling, reproduction and other uses of the collections.
- The stacks are off limits to researchers.
- Collections do not circulate. Do not be remove items from the reading room.
- Researchers must work with one box at a time.
- Maintain original order. Remove one item or folder at a time and flag its locations with the markers provided.
- Work slowly and carefully. Records are fragile. Rushing through archival collections endangers the materials.
- Return material to the box before leaving the reading room. Do not leave materials unattended.
Handling the Collection
Only pencils are permitted in the HYS History Archives. There should not be food or beverages in the archival room at any time. Exercise extreme care at all time.
Loose Paper
- Rest materials flat on the table. Turn the items in a folder like pages in a book.
- Do not use original materials as an armrest or writing table.
- Do not remove items from plastic enclosures. See the reference archivist for assistance.
- Neatly arrange paper documents in the folder before returning them to the box.
- Never force folders back into the box.
Oversized Materials
- Handle oversized materials one at a time and with extreme care. The archivist will help you move oversized materials.
- Do not allow oversized material to hang over table edges.
Brand Volumes
- Never force the binding of a bound volume open.
- Rest bound volumes flat on the table.
Handling Photographs and Audio-Visual Collections
- Wear the cotton gloves provided when working with photographs.
- Handle audio and video collections and equipment with care. Do not force tapes into or out of storage containers or equipment.
- Remove tapes from the machine after they have been wound or played.
- Never leave audio and video tapes on top of the equipment, particularly when turning the machines on or off.
Reproduction & Copyright
The History Archives collections are available for general and scholarly research, unless specific restrictions apply. The History Archives makes no warranty or representation regarding fitness for publication or reproduction of the information in its public collections. The user assumes all responsibility for infringement of legal authorship rights and/or copyright of materials.
Citation and Credit Line
Use: From the collection of The Historic Yellow Springs Moore History Archives Collection
Electrostatic Photocopies
- Researchers may photocopy material in good condition.
- Oversize materials, some bound volumes, and fragile materials may not be photocopied.
- Photocopy only one item at a time.
- Mark the position of any item you remove with the acid-free paper flags found on each table.
- Use a folder to carry items to the copier.
- Return items to their proper place immediately. Do not leave materials at the copy machine.
- You may remove paper clips, spring clips and cloth ties before copying.
- You may NOT remove staples or plastic enclosures.
- Copies are black and white for 25 cents per page.
Reproduction of Photographs, Film, Video and Audio Materials
Many of the photographs, film, video and audio materials are available for reproduction.
The following considerations determine availability for reproduction:
Fees
- Production fees: Cover all costs associated with the production of the duplicate materials, including printing and materials.
- Reproduction fees: Charged per image or audiovisual title included in a published product.
- Access fees: Charged when the user needs to photograph, film, or videotape objects, artifacts and/or documents on exhibit or in storage. Photographers using hand-held cameras, and cell phones, using ambient light in public spaces, and producing images for personal (non-commercial) use are exempt from this charge.
Contact the Moore Archivist for specific information about pricing for your project.
Reproduction of Photographs and other Two-dimensional images
Guidelines
- Materials whose condition is considered too fragile or deteriorated for safe handling can be refused at any time. This determination is at the discretion of the archives.
- All production work is done either through Historic Yellow Springs or when appropriate, an outside laboratory designated by and handled by Historic Yellow Springs staff.
Please pay reproductions fees through Historic Yellow Springs or directly to the printing vendor. Payment amount must be secured prior to material release.
In accordance with Historic Yellow Springs policy, charges apply for the right to reproduce photographic and other two-dimensional image material from its collections.