Scope and Contents From the Collection: 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...

Scope and Contents note From the Collection: This collection contains photographs of the Fairmount Park system and Philadelphia recreation facilities created between 1855 and 2024, primarily photographic prints with some slides, negatives, contact sheets, and transparencies. The collection consists largely of 8 x 10 inch prints documenting park features such as historic houses, guard boxes, landscapes, construction, and demolition, as well as recreation centers, playgrounds, pools, and recreational programming, though sizes and...

Scope and Contents From the Collection: The Microfiche Collection contains reproductions of maps, site plans, architectural and engineering drawings, topographic surveys, and related plans for parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, public squares, and other sites in Philadelphia. The materials include plans for buildings, site improvements, grading, utilities, landscaping, and other construction or maintenance work.Many of the drawings were created for the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation, although the...