Historic Yellow Springs
The Moore Archives

The Moore Archives

The Moore Archives preserves and provides access to documentary evidence of the history of the village of Yellow Springs. Collections are available for scholarly research, exhibitions, journalism, documentary productions, school programs and other research and educational activities and for those who want to know about people, places, and events in the past.

The collections represent the eight record groups that interpret the history here. They include:

In addition to paper-based textual records, many collections contain photographs, sound recordings, artwork, artifacts such as furnishings, archaeological finds, and limited motion picture films and videotapes. A small reference library is available.

A written finding aid is available for most collections consisting of a scope and content note describing the content of the collection and a container list that details the contents of a collection by box and folder. Collections are currently being entered into the PastPerfect Museum program and will be electronically available when completed.

The Moore Archives acquires its collections by donation, often in conjunction with the acquisition of related artifacts and in collaboration with the archival staff. Documentation projects — including oral and video histories — actively create new research collections. Research was conducted in the early years of the Historic Yellow Springs organization and new research is added when available. Much of this early research consists of secondary source material. Of course, we continue to collect data on our present history.

To arrange your visit or donate materials, contact our Archive Department at archives@yellowsprings.org or 610-827-7414 x19.

Can the HYS Staff do your Research?

If it does not involve a large expenditure of time for the Archivist, small amounts of photocopying or quick searches through the collections for very specific items can be done within a few weeks of the request. However, for larger jobs, you must come into the Archives or hire an independent researcher.

Archive activities are sponsored in part by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Events Covered in the Moore Archives

The Moore Archives include numerous activities and events within the regularly updated Record Groups.

Online Collection of Historic Material

We work with the PastPerfect Museum software to record and store data on our collection. The Historic Yellow Springs online collection includes all our photographs and Record Groups 1, 2 and 3, with new records being added continuously.

Tour Guides

We work with our Volunteer Coordinator to develop, plan and implement tours for visitors to Historic Yellow Springs. We have hosted Quester groups, school groups, senior citizen communities, Scout groups, garden clubs, historical societies and many other historic and special interest groups. If you are interested in joining our Guide program, please contact Sandy Momyer at archives@yellowsprings.org.

Historical Records

Document new records and archaeological artifacts including orphan shoes found in The Washington, new art work by Albert Van Nesse Greene, orphan buttons, chards of pottery found on the property, a small sculpture done by a PAFA student, and new books published that include reference to Historic Yellow Springs.

Research for Publications

Authors writing books; artists painting pictures – needed research and images.

The Moore Archives has been supported for more than 10 years by the philanthropy of Joan and James Moore. James Moore is a descendant of Eleanor Moore, first and only female principal of the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ Orphan School. Their generous contribution is deeply appreciated.


What are the Archives?

In the course of daily life, individuals and organizations create and keep information about their personal and business activities. Archivists identify and preserve portions of this recorded information that have lasting value.

These records — and the places they are kept — are called “archives.” Archival records take many forms, including correspondence, diaries, financial and legal documents, photographs, books, artwork, artifacts, sound recordings, film and video.

Who uses the Archives?

Archives provide firsthand information about the past. They are valuable to museum researchers, scholars, students, genealogists, journalists, lawyers and others who want to know about people, places and events in the past.

Archives at Historic Yellow Springs supply information to staff and other researchers about the artifacts the museum collects and the historical themes that it studies and interprets. This information reaches broader audiences through exhibitions and publications.

Research for Historic Yellow Springs can be located in many other sources. All state governments, and many local governments, universities, businesses, libraries, and historical societies, maintain archives. The Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D. C. constitute the country’s largest concentration of archival records. Our Pennsylvania archives can be found at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and the State Archives in Harrisburg. In addition, there are many archives and manuscript repositories in the Delaware Valley including the Chester County History Center.

Local archives may be your most convenient source of answers to these frequently asked questions:

The Archivist

Archivists identify, organize and preserve archival records. We invite you to allow our archivist to assist you to locate needed information.


General Rules

Access to materials is conditional upon adherence to the guidelines for usage. The archivist is available to answer questions about handling, reproduction and other uses of the collections.

Handling the Collection

Only pencils are permitted when doing research in the HYS Collection. There should not be food or beverages in the archival room at any time. Extreme care should be exercised at all time.

LOOSE PAPER

OVERSIZED MATERIALS

BOUND VOLUMES

HANDLING PHOTOGRAPHS AND AUDIO-VISUAL COLLECTIONS


Reproduction & Copyright

The Archives collections are available for general and scholarly research, unless specific restrictions apply. The Archives makes no warranty or representation regarding fitness for publication or reproduction of the information in its public collections. All responsibility for infringement of legal authorship rights and/or copyright is assumed by the user of the materials.

Citation and Credit Line

Use: From the collection of The Historic Yellow Springs Moore Archives Collection

Electrostatic Photocopies

  1. Researchers may photocopy material in good condition.
  2. Oversize materials, some bound volumes, and fragile materials may not be photocopied.
  3. Photocopy only one item at a time.
  4. Mark the position of any item you remove with the acid-free paper flags found on each table.
  5. Use a folder to carry items to the copier.
  6. Return items to their proper place immediately. Do not leave materials at the copy machine.
  7. You may remove paper clips, spring clips and cloth ties before copying.
  8. You may NOT remove staples or plastic enclosures.
  9. Copies are black and white for 25 cents per page.

Reproduction of Photographs, Film, Video and Audio Materials

Many of the photographs, film, video and audio materials are available for reproduction.

Availability for reproduction is determined by the following consideration:

Fees

Contact the Moore Archivist for specific information about pricing for your project.

Reproduction of Photographs and other Two-dimensional images

Guidelines

Reproductions fees will be paid either through Historic Yellow Springs or directly to the printing vendor. Materials will not be released until payment amount is agreed upon and it is confirmed that arrangements for payment has been made.

In accordance with Historic Yellow Springs policy, there is a fee charged for the right to reproduce photographic and other two-dimensional image material from its collections.


We are currently in the process of adding our archives to our online database. To view our current online archives, please visit our site here.

Online Archives made possible by a generous grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.