The History Files collection contains research materials documenting parks, sites, structures, organizations, events, and individuals associated with the Fairmount Park System and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. This collection compiles materials from diverse sources over time rather than representing the records of a single office or individual. Typical materials include correspondence, deeds, leases, newspaper clippings, photocopies of published articles and book excerpts, research notes, reports, maps, plans, images, ephemera, meeting minutes, and agreements. The collection documents historically significant events including the 1876 Centennial Exposition, the Battle of Germantown, early auto racing, and ecological improvements along the Schuylkill River. Primary source materials range from a 1690 property deed signed by William Penn to 21st-century lease agreements. The bulk of materials date from the 1960s to the 1990s. This is an active collection with materials added on an ongoing basis.