The John Bowman Bartram Special Collections Library houses one of the most complete collections of documents, writings, genealogical information, books, and photographs by and about the Bartrams and their garden.  The library, which features 250-plus rare books, includes a selection of reference books about Philadelphia history and 18th and 19th century gardens and botany.

Among the holdings is John Bartram’s own copy of Linnaeus’ Genera Plantarum given to him by Dr. Gronovius of Leiden in 1743.   John in turn gave this volume to his son William in 1755 and it is inscribed with both their names.   Other treasures include multiple editions of William Bartram’s Travels, first published in Philadelphia in 1791, and rapidly reprinted in London, Dublin, Paris, etc.

The library also contains out-of-print books on the Bartrams and transcriptions and/or copies of published editions of Bartram correspondence, diaries, journals, drawings, plant lists and catalogues, tax and census records and estate papers.  In addition the collection contains the complete archive of the John Bartram Association activities, correspondence, annual reports, minutes, memorabilia, and garden guides, as well as technical reports and architectural drawings/specifications/plans documenting restorations, repairs and archaeological surveys of the site.

HOURS & FEES

The library is open by appointment

12-4 pm, Tuesday-Friday.

The fee for assisted historical and

genealogical research is $25/hour.

To inquire about fees for photocopies, photography and slide duplication call

215.729.5281, fax 215.729.1047, or

email explore@bartramsgarden.org.