From the Wagner Free Institute of Science

In July 2009, the PACSCL/CLIR Hidden Collections in the Philadelphia Area: A Consortial Processing and Cataloging Initiative Project Team began working on an ambitious and innovative project to process and make accessible about 140 collections with documented research value.   As we delve into the processing we will  make it possible for researchers to discover little-known and long-forgotten aspects of Philadelphia and American history through the diverse voices of the people whose thoughts, theories and action shaped our world as it is today. What we uncover may provide new perspectives on traditional interpretations of politics, culture, science, medicine, religion and social activism.

From the University of Pennsylvania Rare Book and Manuscript Library

At the end of this 27 month project, our experiments with archival processing, delivery of electronic finding aids, and cross-repository collaborative work will result in a treasure trove of new and exciting resources for researchers of all types. At the same time, other archival repositories, consortia, educators and students will have access to the project documentation and, hopefully, benefit from our successes as well as learn from our difficulties.