Collection ID:

Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Thomson, Elihu, 1853-1937
Extent:
6 cubic feet
Language:
English

Background

Scope and Content:

The Elihu Thomson papers were owned by the Thomson Laboratory before being transferred to GE's Hall of History, which then merged with the Schenectady Museum in the late 90s. The original arrangement and description was performed by the Laboratory, and that order has been maintained through the collection's travels. As some point, probably at the Hall of History, the collection was placed in binder sleeves. The collection is described to the item level, divided up into small series.

The bulk of Elihu Thomson's papers have gone to the American Philosophical Society (APS). This collection is modest and apparently arbitrary but with an interesting selection of materials that were kept by the Hall of History after the bulk of the Thomson papers were donated to the APS. These materials include correspondence, notes, clippings, scrapbooks and other materials created or collection by Thomson. They also include some addresses and articles about Thomson, some of which likely added to the collections after his death.

Biographical / Historical:

Elihu Thomson ranks alongside Thomas Edison and Charles Steinmetz as one of America's most important inventors and one of the founders of General Electric. His legacy includes over 700 patents, with developments in electrical meters, high-pressure steam engines, dynamos and generators. In 1883 he helped form the Thomson-Houston Electric Company Electric Company, with his partner Edwin Houston and investor Charles Coffin. In 1892, the Company was merged with Edison General Electric in Schenectady to form the familiar General Electric Company.

Indexed Terms

Names:
Thomson, Elihu, 1853-1937

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

Access to this record group is unrestricted.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of copyright. Whenever possible, the miSci Archives will provide information about copyright owners and other restrictions, but the legal determination ultimately rests with the researcher. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Head of Archives.

LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
15 Nott Terrace Heights
Schenectady, NY 12308, United States
CONTACT:
518-382-7890