Research Resources

Compiled by E. Richard McKinstry

This latest Guide to the Winterthur Library, available online, provides descriptive information of the primary research materials held in both the Joseph Downs Collection and the Winterthur Archives. The Downs Collection acquires materials from the mid 17th century through the 20th century that document American lifestyles, including diaries, business accounts of craftsmen, family papers, tax records, century-old fabric samples, architectural drawings, artists' sketchbooks, wills and household inventories, children's toys and games, and scrapbooks and journals. Items from individuals famous in American history rest alongside materials from people who led routine lives yet still contributed to the development of the nation. The Winterthur Archives records the creation and development of Winterthur as a private estate and a public museum, including autochrome views of the Winterthur Garden, architectural drawings, and Henry Francis du Pont's correspondence with antiques dealers.

Compiler E. Richard McKinstry was born in Somerville, New Jersey, and currently resides in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. He is currently Andrew W. Mellon Senior Librarian at Winterthur Library and adjunct associate professor in the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture/University of Delaware.

Published by Winterthur, 2003
642 pages, black and white illustrations
ISBN 0-912724-61-7
Hardcover $50

To enter the online book, click here.
To download a PDF version, click here.