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Archiver > PHILLY-ROOTS > 2002-08 > 1028470214


From: "Jo Schwartz" <>
Subject: [PHILLY-ROOTS-L] City Archives in the news
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 2002 10:10:14 -0400


Today's Sunday Inquirer has a large article, in the City & Region section ,
with pictures of the basement storage area and Ward Childs, at

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/3797297.htm

There is an picture missing from the online version, which really shows the
extent of the underground storage.... the part that most of us who use the
upstairs research room never see. Might make people somewhat more
patient with what the staff has to go through if you want something really
arcane.

The article is not about improving microfilm and attitudes, but rather to
dispel rumors that certain old photographs and records were going to be
tossed, an authority that the Records Dept has (after a 20 year retention
period), but is not planning to use at the moment, or helter skelter. The
"city archivist" is required to review historic significance before
something like that would happen and as the article stated "the archives are
so understaffed [FINALLY,they put it in print!] that only the most routine
of checks have been conducted, and none on photographic negatives since the
'70s."

Having the Archives and Dept of Records mentioned twice in recent weeks must
be a record. Wonder why they suddenly drew someone's attention. I think
it's a perfect time to write to Joan Decker, Records Commissioner, with
comments and suggestions. Negative diatribes aren't going to be helpful,
but documented practical experiences with current problems for typical
genealogical research (as simple as spliced tape that falls apart when you
use it, and stuffed back into its box, which is also about to fall apart)
could make a dent if enough were received. I'd phrase comments in a way
that acknowledges their lack of funds and problems but also suggests how
improvements might make more people use the place [and come out smiling
rather than reaching for the nearest sedative], thus raising the cash flow
and improving the city's image ("tourist attraction"?). Or it might get
some projects going to refilm ledgers that are currently unreadable or to
digitize them.... Maybe I'm just dreaming but at least Ms Decker should
be influenced in some manner if enough feedback was received. Now if I
can only get myself to take the time to do this, I won't feel hypocritical
for suggesting everyone else do this<g>.

A couple of practical matters:

1) The printer hasn't been working recently. If you are pleasantly
assertive, you probably can get one or two pages printed for you on the
staff printer, but don't wait until 4:55 to ask.

2) Ranting and raving in the middle of the research room about how the place
"should" work just raises your blood pressure and brands you as a
troublemaker, the last thing in the world you want to be seen as there. Two
weeks ago someone's frustration level with the printer got the best of him
and he was threatening to have someone fired (fat chance) and saying that if
the place couldn't be run correctly, they should shut it down. An all or
nothing attitude towards the place just doesn't cut it, and "should"
shouldn't (sorry) be used in the same sentence with the C.Archives. It is
what it is, for many, many reasons, and as one woman sardonically said as
she scrolled thru the microfilm, "you gotta go with the flow here".
Being forewarned so your expectations are not what they might be if you were
going to a small historical society in, New England, for instance, helps.
A sense of the absurd also comes in handy <g>.

3) Whatever computerization of deed indexes is being done is not going to
make it to the Archives in the foreseeable future. I'm doubtful that it's
even made it to the Dept of Records yet, although the early Inq article
indicated it was coming by the end of that week. When I asked about it
Friday at City Hall, the clerk initially seemed not to know what I was
referring to. Then the story was some individual staff members had the
(some?) capability with older records on their own computers, that one
public computer had the indexes after around 1980, but that basically I had
to do it the old fashioned way (which I think means deed transfer sheets
based on addresses) for old deeds (ca. 1850). BTW this office closes at
2PM. Orphans court closes at 4:30. The will department at 5. The Dept of
Records at 3. I think each room in City Hall has a different closing time!
So if you're after deed records by address, make sure you get down there
early.

jo





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