The Local History & Genealogy Division of the Rochester Public Library holds more than 500 cubic feet of personal papers, records, and manuscripts related to the history of Rochester, Monroe County, and the Genesee Valley region of New York State. These important primary sources are invaluable to the preservation of the region's collective memory and provide first-hand glimpses into the lives of local luminaries and average citizens alike. Collection areas include the beginning and growth of public-supported educational media in Rochester; social reform in Rochester and Monroe County; and Rochester businesses, clubs, and organizations. Comprised of paper-based documents, glass plate negatives, lantern slides, and original artwork, highlights of these collections include a 1792 deed signed by Ebenezer “Indian” Allen; unpublished histories and biographies; and personal papers of Susan B. Anthony, former Rochester mayor Hiram Edgerton, and Nathaniel Rochester and the Rochester family, among many others.Rundel Memorial Building
Ledger from a Union prison in Alexandria, Virginia, that documents the transgressions of Union soldiers. Includes prisoners' name, regiment, company, charges, charging official, and remarks. Includes prisoners from the following regiments: 5 NY, 16 NY, 109 NY, 28 MA, Colored, 11 US, 44 NY, 3 MD, 112PA, 15 CT, and many others.
This collection consists of two sets of lantern slides of images of early maps of the Rochester area. A few slides show political cartoons and photographs of early Rochester. The origin of this collection and the date of its creation is unknown, but some of the maps and images contained therein may be unique.
The Fanny Farmer candy company operated in Rochester, New York from 1919 to 1967. This collection consists of a First Edition candy box illustrated with Beatrix Potter-named rabbits with Easter eggs on sides, rabbit in watering can on front. The illustrations are not Beatrix Potter but in a distinct 1950s style. Produced by Fanny Farmer Studios.
This volume appears to be John W. Stebbins' personal scrapbook of Odd Fellows activities. Includes articles about Stebbins' election to the post of Grand Sire, the highest position in the Odd Fellows organization. The content of the scrapbook dates between 1870 and 1892.
Small leather-bound Excelsior diary detailing daily agricultural transactions in Monroe County. The ledger book is anonymous, but can be traced to western New York through geographic references. It dates from 1879.
This collection contains records of the activities of the Monroe County American Legion Auxiliary at several different times in the 20th Century. The collection includes materials created between 1934 and 1988, including scrapbooks,a photographic album and a volume of secretarial records.
Three record books from the Needlework Guild, a charitable group that provided clothing for the needy in Rochester, New York. The books date between 1893 and 1930.
This collection consists of a ledger book recording rents paid in the Reynolds Arcade, a major Rochester, New York office and commercial building between 1914 and 1931.