Finding Aids

What is a Finding Aid?

A Finding Aid is a document written by archivists to describe an archival collection. A Finding Aid describes the history of a collection and the arrangement of material, to help a user navigate the contents of the collection and identify material relevant to their research. Each collection in an archive should have a dedicated Finding Aid. Though it may be an unfamiliar document at first, most Finding Aids follow a regular, shared structure.

Finding Aids at the Worcester Historical Museum Archives

A

Adams Street School Collection
American Costume Catalog
Aldrich, Edwin Collection
Allen, Asa M. Ledger Collection
American Diner Museum Collection
American Steel & Wire Company Collection
American Steel & Wire Company Cable Works Photograph Collection
Ames Plow Company Records
Andrews Greeting Card Collection
Angell, Thomas Lemuel Diary
Anti-Defamation League of Bnai Brith Slide Collection
Arms, Isabel K. Papers
Arts Council of Worcester Collection
Arundel Book Club Collection
Asher Family Papers
Associated Charities of Worcester Collection
Association of Colored Peoples Records

B

Ballou, Charles A.
Baptist, Russ Papers
Barnard, George Diary Collection
Barry, Hubert Collection
Beal, Eliza C. Papers
Berg Family Collection
Berry, Robert First Day Covers Collection
Burbank, A. L.
Bigelow, Horace H. Letters
Bigelow-Barton Family Papers
Bigelow-Stevens Family Photograph Collection
Black Ice Publishers Postcard Collection
Blackstone Canal Company Collection
Bloom Family Collection
Bohemians Collection
Bottomly, Wright Collection
Botwinik Brothers Collection
Boyden, Elbridge Papers
Brierly, J.E. Collection
Brittan Square Community Club Records
Broad Meadow Brook Collection
Broadside Collection #1
Brooks, John H. Jr. Records
Bryant, Charles Ledger Collection
Buck Trolley Clothes Dryer Company Collection
Buckingham, Thomas Photograph Collection
Bullard Archives Photograph Collection
Bullock House Construction Records
Bushong Photograph Collection

C

Campbell, Charles B. Papers
Carlson Home Collection
Ceccacci, Susan Collection
Cederlund Family Collection
Central Mass. Disaster Relief Records 1953-1956
Chamberlin Family Papers
Chandler, John Papers
Chase Family Papers
Chevrah Gemara of Worcester Collection
Childs, Benjamin W. Collection
Civil War Collection
Clapp, Silas Collection
Clark University Student Sociology Papers from 1970s and 1980s
Clemence, George H. Papers
Colleges of Worcester Consortium Collection
Coates Clipper Manufacturing Co. Collection
Coes Family Papers
Cook, Stanley Diaries
Covey, Arthur Collection
Crane, Ellery Bicknell Papers
Crompton and Knowles Loom Photograph Collection
Crompton and Knowles Loom Works Collection
Csaplar Family Collection
Curtis, John Collection
Curtis Family Collection
Curtis, Mabel Photograph Collection

D

Daley, James F. Collection
Davey’s Handbag Collection
Davis Press Greek/Egyptian Costume Print Collection
Deignan Family Greeting Card Collection
Deignan, Joseph Photograph Collection
Delannoy, Charles Photograph Collection
Deranian, Merderos Collection
Derarian, Martin Collection
Devine, Harry Collection
Dick Brothers Collection
Dick Brothers Photograph Collection
Dignity and Integrity of Central Mass Collection
Drennen, James Papers 1
Drennen, James Papers 2
Drennen, James Papers 3
Duffy, Daniel Photograph Collection
Dunbar, Gladys Collection
Dwinnell, Solomon Papers

E

Earle, Amos R. Account Book of Rents
Earle, Family Papers
Edward Street Day Care Center
Eighty William Street Collection
Ekstrom Family Papers
Electrical League of Worcester County Collection
English High School Class of 1905 Photograph Collection
English High School Class of 1913 Photograph Collection
Errickson, Shirley Collection
Erskine Postcard Collection
Etsy, Marth Cushing Papers

F

Fallon Collection
Farber, Daniel Photograph Collection
15th Massachusetts Collection
51st Massachusetts Collection
57th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Records
Filene’s Department Store Collection
Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church Collection
Fireman’s Manual Collection
Floral Arrangement Photographic Collection
Forbes Gravestone Photograph Collection
Friday Morning Club
Friendly House Collection

G

Gage Family Papers Collection
G.A.R. Series 12 Framed Prints Collection
G.A.R. George H. Ward Post 10 Collection
G.A.R. Various Organizations Collection
Gates Family Collection
Gay and Lesbian Collection
Goddard 1964 Commemorative Stamp
Goding, J.L. Collection
Goldberg, Joseph Collection
Goodhue, John M. Collection
Gordon-Baker Families Photograph Collection1999.66
Gough, John B. Collection
Gould Family Papers
Graton and Knight Manufacturing Co. Collection
Grace, Milton Photograph Collection
Gravel, Romeo Collection
Green, Andrew Haswell Collection
Green, Charles O. Records
Green Family Collection – Andrew Haswell Green
Green Family Collection – Green Hill Mansion
Green Family Collection – James Green
Green Family Collection – various letters
Green Family Collection -William N. Green
Green Hill Park Collection – Worcester Vocational School
Green, Marion E. Ayres Poetry Collection
Greenwood, Helen Evangeline Collection
Gregory, George K. Photo Collection

H

Hahnemann Hospital Collection
Hamilton Family Papers 1801-1908
Harold, Raymond P. Collection
Harrington, Frank L.
Harrington Family Collection
Harrington and Richardson Arms Company Catalog
Harrington and Richardson Arms Company Collection
Hastings, T.J. Collection
Healy, John Diaries
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
Henshaw, Martha M. Collection
Hesselton, William Donald Collection
Heywood, Chester D. Collection
Higgins’ Family Collection
Higgins’ Family Letters
Highland Military Academy Photograph Collection
Highland Military Academy Records 1860-1919
Hoffman, Abbie Collection
Hogg Family Papers Collection
Hoganas Dues and Membership Ledger 1919-1987
Hoganas Society #2
Holy Name of Jesus Church Collection
Holyoke Machine Company Collection
Home Farm Collection #2
Home Federal Savings and Loan Collection
Hope Lodge Collection
Hopkins, William S.B. Collection
Horticultural Hall Building Renovations Records
Howland/Taft Valentine Collection
Hurst, Family Photo Collection including Eva Sutcliffe Hurst

I

Inman Family Collection
Inman, William H. Diary Collection
Innovative Learning International Publication
Irish Immigrants Photograph Collection

J

Jaynes, Alfred Collection
Jefferson, Howie Collection
Jewish Academy Records Collection
Jewish Community Council Letters
Jewish Invitations Collection
Johnson, Alexander H. Papers #1
Johnson, Alexander H. Papers #2
Johnson, Alexander H. Family Papers
Johnson Steel and Wire Collection
Jolly, Thomas A. Collection

K

Kelley-Foster Papers
Kennedy, Ellen “Nellie” Rogers Collection
Kinsley Family Record Books
Knight, Otis Collection
Knowles, Alice Marion Collection
Knowles Loom Works Collection
Knox, Joseph B. Collection
Koelsch Collection
Kowalczyk, Edmund Collection
KQC Club Collection
Ku Klux Klan Collection

L

Ladies of the GAR, General Devens Circle 30 Collection
Lake Quinsigamond Collection
Lane, Warren Collection
Lapinski, Edward Collection
Laraia and Ermilia Collection
Larson, Swan Collection
Leather Postcard Collection
Leavitt Family Papers
Lee, Chandler Smith Collection
Leland Family Collection
Lincoln Family Photograph Collection
Levy, Jordan Collection

LGBTQ+ Community Archive

Livermore-Rice Gold Rush Collection
Loeffler, Robert J. Collection
Lubin, Harris Collection
Luce, E.B. Collection
Lyell, Nan Collection
Lynde Brook Flood Article

M

Main Street Baptist Church Collection
Malley, William J. Collection
Marcus Company Collection
Marvin, Abijah P. Collection
Malley, William Collection
Massachusetts Militia Collection
Massachusettes Nurses Association Records
Maynard, Edith Collection
Maynard, George Collection
Maynard, Mander A. Collection
Mcguigan, Sharyn Collection
Mechanics Hall Hook Organ Collection
Memorial Hospital Aid Society Collection
Merriam Family Collection
Merrifield Buildings Trust Collection
Merriam, George Jr. Photograph Collection
Merrifield Family Papers
Midas Club Records
Millbrook Dam (American Wire and Steel) Collection
Mills, Herbert W. Collection
Mills Woven Cartridge Belt Company Collection
Mitchell, Marion Collection
Moore, Nathaniel Collection
Morgan Family Collection
Morgan Producer Gas Machine Catalog
Morin, Raymond Radio Progam Collection
Morse, Charles L.Collection
Murphy, Francis P. Collection
Music Club of Worcester Collection
Music Guild of Worcester Collection
Muttergarten Collection

N

Natural History Society Collection
Negotiable Order of Withdrawal
Nevens Family Papers
New England Anchor Fence Company Papers
Noyes, Henry R. Collection
New England Cemetery Papers
Newton, Rejoice Correspondence 1817-1852
Nichols’ Family Collection
Norcross’ Family Collection
Nordstrom Grocer Family Collection
North High School Class of 1934
Norton Company Collection #1
Norton Company Collection #2
Nourse, John Diary Collection

O

O’Connell, David F. Letters
O’Flynn, Thomas and Son Stable Collection
Old South Church Cornerstone Collection
Oliver, Joseph J. Collection
Olson, Edwin T. Collection
Olson, Edwin T. Slide Collection
Order of the Eastern Star Collection
Oread Institute Collection 1902-1919

P

Pearson, Lincoln Collection
Perky, Henry Papers 1843-1914, 2004-2007
Peters, John E. Collection
Peyton, Sarah Collection
Pickett, Josiah Collection
Plimpton, Alden Bradford Collection
Plumley, Ladd H. Collection #1
Plumley, Ladd H. Collection #2
Polish Community in Worcester Collection
Powers, Jake Collection
Proctor, Fred Josiah
Proctor, Hattie Postcard Collection
Pullman Standard Car Mfg. Company Collection
Putnam and Thurston’s Restaurant Collection
Putnam, Charles Papers
Putnam, Rufus Collection

Q

Quinsigamond Val Lodge Records
Quota Club Collection

R

Railroad Collection Inventory 1831-1949
Raymond, Edward T. Collection
Reed, Charles and Company Collection
Reed, Howard E. Collection
Reed, John Military Collection
Regional Environmental Council Collection
Rice, Abel and Minot Family Papers
Rice Barton & Fales Collection #1
Rice Barton & Fales Collection #2
Richardson Manufacturing Company Collection 1880-1915
Richardson, Meriam Company Collection
Richardson, Walter Dr. Collection
Rockwood Sprinkler Collection
Roe, Alfred Seelye Collection
Rogers, James S. Papers
Royal Toy Company Collection
Royal Worcester Corset Company Advertisement
Ryan, Mary Journal Collection

S

St. John’s Episcopal Church Collection
Salisbury Family Papers
Salisbury Mansion Associates Collection #1
Salisbury Mansion Associates Collection #2
Salisbury Mansion 1983 Restoration Collection
Salisbury, Mary Journal Collection
Sawyer, Charles H. Papers
Sawyer, William H. Papers 1843-1926
Scott, Charles N. Letters
Shaarai Torah Records 1950-1999
Shaarai Torah Records 1973-1995
Shaarai Torah Synagogue Collection
Shawmut Worcester Bank Collection
Sherman Envelope Photograph Collection
Sibley, George H. Papers
Simonds, Henry Dwight Papers
Skinner, Artemas H. Collection
Smith, Arthur H. Collection
Smith, Mary Chapin Collection
Smith, Moses Collection
Snow, William Collection
Soldiers’ Monument Collection
Sons of Jacob Synagogue Collection
South High School Class of 1904 Photograph Collection
Souther Family Collection
Southwick, Albert B. WWII Letters
Spag’s Collection
Spanish-American War Collection
Spears, Pearl J. Collection
Speedy’s Drive-In Collection
Stained Glass Window Collection
Stano, Joseph Photograph Collection
Staples Family Collection
Steel Workers Organizing Committee Collection 1937-1940
Steere, C.E. Sheet Music Catalog
Stevens, Charles Pardon
Stewart Family Photograph Collection
Stiles, Frederick Collection
Stoddard Family Scrapbook Collection
Stoddard, Robert W. Sound Recording
Stonequist, David O. Collection
Sullivan Cartoon Photograph Collection
Sumner, Muriel Photograph Collection
Supernor Family School Photograph Collection

T

Tamm, Erik Letters
Tappan, Eva March Collection
Taylor, Henry W. Collection
Temple Emanuel Photo
Temporary Home and Day Nursery Collection
Theater Postcard Collection
36th Massachusetts Collection
Thomas, Isaiah House Collection
Tolman & Russell Collection
Tolman, Hathaway & Company Collection
Tolman, Luther & Company Catalog
Tornado Disaster Relief Fund Collection
Torrey, Marion Collection
Torrey Razor Collection #1
Torrey Razor Collection #2
Torrey Razor Collection #3
Town Talk Baseball Club Collection
Troiano, Michael Papers
Troop 29 Collection
Turner, Ethel School Papers
25th Massachusetts Collection
Tyler Family Collection

U

United Congregational Church
U.S. Steel Corporation Photo Collection
University in Cambridge Collection

V

Vaad Hoeir Collection
Van Slett Advertising Collection
Vernon Hill Spiel WWII Letters

W

Waite, Emily Burling Collection
Waite, Jenette Diary Collection
Waite, Mary A. Photograph Collection
Walden Manufacturing Company Collection
Waldo Family Papers
Walker Family Collection
Walker, O.S. Collection
Walton, Bertha Diary Collection
Ward, Anne M. Diary Collection
Ward Church Covenant
Ward Family Collection
Warren-Wesson Family Papers
Washburn Family Papers
Washburn, Philip Moen Papers
Washburn, Reginald and Dorcas Album Collection
Watson, Kirsten Cabinet Card Collection
Wesby Collection
Wetherell, John Papers
Wheeler, Nathaniel Collection
Whipple Collection
Whitcomb Blaisdell Collection
Whitman, Albert F. Collection
Wilder, Charles S. Collection
Wiley, William Collection
Wilson, John Collection
Wing, Moses Collection
Winslow, Samuel Skate Collection
Wire Goods of Worcester Collection
Wittenagemot Club Collection
Women in Development Collection
Wood, Albert Dr. Collection
Woodward, Samuel B. Collection
Worcester Baseball Club Letters Collection
Worcester Board of Motion Picture and Theatre Review Collection
Worcester Brigade Band Collection
Worcester Cemetery Collection
Worcester Charter Committee
Worcester Chronicle Tapes Collection
Worcester City Hospital Aid Society Records #1
Worcester City Hospital Aid Society Records #2
Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing Collection
Worcester Cold Storage Fire Collection
Worcester Comalapa Sister City Project
Worcester Continentals Collection
Worcester County Ecumenical Council Collection
Worcester County Institution for Savings Collection
Worcester County Mechanics Association Collection
Worcester County Music Association Collection
Worcester County National Bank Collection
Worcester Cycle Manufacturing Collection
Worcester Deluxe Diners Manufacturing Company Collection
Worcester District Medical Society Collection
Worcester Emblem Club
Worcester Fire Department Inventory Collection
Worcester Fur (Fox) Club Records
Worcester High School 1870 Photo Collection
Worcester High School 1892 and 1893 Photo Collection
Worcester Gear Works Collection
Worcester Lunch Car Collection
Worcester LGBTQ+ Community Collection
Worcester Light Infantry Collection
Worcester Lunch Car Company Collection #1
Worcester Lunch Car Company Collection #2
Worcester Lunch Car Company Collection #3
Worcester Lunch Car Company Specifications and Schematics Drawings 1914-1967
Worcester Music Sheet Collection
Worcester Natural History Camp Diary Collection
Worcester Playground Association Collection
Worcester Police Department Photo Collection
Worcester Public School Plans
Worcester Smith College Club Collection
Worcester State Hospital Photograph Collection
Worcester Tennis Club Collection
Worcester Tornado Photograph Collection
Worcester Village Directory 1829
Worcester Visiting Nurses Association Collection
Worcester Women’s Club Collection
Worcester Wrestling Collection
Workmen’s Circle Records #1
Workmen’s Circle Records #2
Workmen’s Circle Records #3
WWI Postcard Collection
Wright Wire Company Collection
WRTA Collection
Wyman Gordon Company Records #1
Wyman Gordon Company Records #2

Y

Young, Frederick Adam Collection
YMCA Collection
YOU Incorporated Collection

Z

Zaritt, Evelyn Papers