| The Quaker Collection at Haverford
College offers genealogists a unique setting in which to conduct their research.
Professional and amateur researchers find answers to many genealogical puzzles
in the well-kept records of the Quakers. Those who
benefit most from doing genealogical research here have already done preliminary
research and know that they have Quaker ancestors. If so, it helps to
know either the name of the meeting they attended or the geographic area
in which they lived.
Those just beginning their research are encouraged to consult
the Bibliography of Quaker and General Resources
before submitting a research request.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can we help?
We answer telephone inquiries, as well as those
that come by email and regular mail. We do a half hour of research free
of charge. This is usually enough to answer a specific question, or to
advise if it is worth making a trip here to do research, or to hire the
services of a professional genealogist. We also try to refer inquirers
to other resources.
What resources do we have?
We have records of many of the monthly meetings that are part of Philadelphia
Yearly Meeting, particularly those of the Orthodox meetings. In many
cases we have records on microfilm; in others we have the original documents
themselves. We also have published family histories and an extensive manuscript
collection that includes letters and diaries of many prominent Quaker
families.
What don’t we have?
We do not have general genealogical records, These are best pursued through
local historical societies and the records housed in various local, state
and national archives. These would include vital records (such as births,
marriages, deaths), census information, ships passenger lists and immigration
records, newspapers, city directories, school and church records, military
records, etc.
What should be done before coming in person or contacting
us?
As much preliminary research as possible should be done, using resources
available locally or via the internet. We are a very small staff and with
the increased interest in genealogy, we often find ourselves with a 6-8-week
backlog of genealogical requests.
How should I get started if I am new to genealogical
research?
We suggest that you start at your local public library or historical society
library, using some of the resources listed in Section 1 of the Bibliography
of Quaker and General Resources.
How should I get started if I am just beginning
to work with Quaker records?
If you are new to Quakerism, we suggest reading one or more of the books
listed in Section 2 of the Bibliography
of Quaker and General Resources. Our Quaker Ancestors: Finding
Them in Quaker Records, is particularly useful, as it outlines
the steps to take in searching for a Quaker ancestor. It includes a glossary
of terms used by Quakers (or members of the Society of Friends), a list
of Quaker reference libraries and other libraries with collections of
Quaker materials, and a bibliography of reference works for Quaker genealogical
research.
What other Quaker resources exist?
There are collections of Quaker materials in other libraries in other
parts of the country. Locally, the Friends Historical Library at Swarthmore
College is a rich resource, particularly for records covering the Hicksite
meetings. They can be reached via the internet at www.swarthmore.edu/Library/friends/index.html
Another major Quaker repository is the Rhode
Island Historical Society Library in Providence, RI, which houses
records from New England Yearly Meeting.
Many Quaker colleges have collections of meeting records, usually from
their own regions, as well as other published material about the Society.
The addresses for libraries with Quaker material can be found in several
reference sources including Our Quaker Ancestors, Guide
to the Records of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and FWCC Friends
Directory of Meetings, Churches, and Worship Groups in the Section of
the Americas.
The Family
History Library in Salt Lake City has an extensive number of Quaker
records available on microfilm. Microfilm can be borrowed through one
of the many local
branches of the Family History Library.
How can I arrange for a visit to the Quaker Collection
at Haverford College?
It is best to call, write or email us in advance of your visit, so that
we know to expect you.
We can be reached at:
Special Collections
Haverford College Library
370 Lancaster Avenue
Haverford, PA 19041
Telephone: 610-896-1161
Email: genealog@haverford.edu
Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00-12:30 and 1:30-4:30.
We close at 4:00 during college vacations and holidays. Check the hours
page for specific information
If I can’t come in person, can I still get
my questions answered?
As mentioned above, we do one half hour of research free of charge. Due
to the growing interest in genealogy and the large number of requests,
we often have a backlog of six to eight weeks (minimum). When placing
a request, please state your question very clearly and concisely, being
as specific as possible.
For example:
“I would like to confirm the marriage of Phoebe
Jones Harrison to John Joseph Taylor. This would have taken place somewhere
around 1820 or so, as she was born in 1803 and he was born in 1799.
Her parents, James and Mary Hope Harrision were members of Radnor Meeting,
and I believe Joseph was a member of Quakertown meeting. Both died in
1853 and were buried at Nottingham Meeting. I would also like to know
the names of their children, if that is available, as well as when they
might have transferred to Nottingham Meeting.”
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