Thomas Phelan papers, 1973-1996 and undated

Summary

Creator:
Phelan, Thomas, 1925-
Abstract:
Student research papers written for Phelan's undergraduate courses from the mid 1970s until 1994. Typed transcripts of documents pertaining to Stephen van Rensselaer.
Extent:
3.60 Linear Feet
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Thomas Phelan papers, MC 76. Insitute Archives and Special Collections, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY.

Background

Scope and content:

The bulk of the Thomas Phelan papers (MC 76) collection consists of student research papers written for Phelan's undergraduate courses from the mid 1970s until 1994. Paper topics reflect the nature of the courses taught, such as Medieval art and American architecture and artifacts. However, a large percentage of the papers pertain to local history, reflecting the popularity of Phelan's course "Troy: A 19th Century Industrial City." These papers illustrate the wide ranging interests of both the professor and his students, with subjects such as transportation (canals, bridges, railroads, steamboats, street cars), industry and industrial archeology (iron and steel manufacturing, paper and textile industries, collar making), local figures (Henry Burden, Sanford Cluett, Erastus Corning, Uri Gilbert, John Griswold, Kate Mullany, Russell Sage, Canvass White, etc.), workers' living conditions, 19th century entertainment, religious and ethnic groups, and a variety of other topics.

There is also a small amount of miscellaneous research material compiled by or for Phelan, including research notes, photocopied articles, photographs, negatives, and slides. Topics are similar to those listed above. In addition, the collection contains typed transcripts of documents pertaining to Stephen van Rensselaer which were originally transcribed for William Bertrand Fink's 1950 dissertation "Stephen van Rensselaer: The Last Patroon."

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in four series:

I. Graded title pages (access restricted)

II. Student research papers

III. Research materials

IV. Transcriptions regarding Stephen Van Rensselaer

V. Miscellany

Series I and II are arranged chronologically and then alphabetically by authors' last names within each semester. Series III is arranged alphabetically. Series IV has been removed from binders and reflects its original order.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Access to Box 1 is restricted.

Terms of access:

This collection is protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).

Preferred citation:

Thomas Phelan papers, MC 76. Insitute Archives and Special Collections, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY.

Location of this collection:
Folsom Library
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 Eighth St
Troy, NY 12180, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
518-276-8340