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Carey and Kimber families manuscript collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS 3063

Abstract

The items contained in the Carey and Kimber Families Manuscript Collection span over a hundred years, from 1847 to 1953, and encompass family history and general Maryland history. Of note are materials relating to the history of slavery, to Bryn Mawr College, and to the Octorara House in Conowingo, Maryland. The collection consists of scrapbooks, business and personal correspondence, yearbooks, memoirs, memorial programs, real estate advertisements, maps and photographs.

Dates

  • 1847-1953

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.

Biographical Note

The Careys have been a prominent Maryland family dating back to the early nineteenth century. Little is known about the early history of the Carey family other than that by 1703, members of the family had already established themselves in Maryland. John Carey (d. 1864), was the first of the family to live in Baltimore. His son, James Carey of Loudon, married Martha Ellicott (of Ellicott City) in 1786. Martha was from a prominent Quaker family, and James Carey soon converted to his wife’s faith. This union established the Carey family as members of the Society of Friends, and succeeding generations would play active roles in the Quaker community. Through the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries, the Carey family continues as an important member of the Quaker community, as well as making significant contributions in the realms of politics, education, medicine, philanthropy and business. For further information on the Carey family visit the Carey Center for Maryland Life located in the museum of the Maryland Historical Society. The Carey and Kimber families are related through the marriage of Susannah Bud Kimber (b.1822) to James Carey (of the Mount)(1821-1894).

Some Carey family accomplishments relevant to this manuscript collection:

Martha Carey Thomas (1857-1935) became in 1884, the first female Dean of an American University when she was elected both dean of the college and chair of English at the recently established Bryn Mawr College for women. While there she also began the first graduate program in a women’s school. Thomas was elected President of the school in 1894 and served both as President and Dean until 1922. Also active as a leader in the Woman’s suffrage movement, in 1908 she was first president of the National College Women's Equal Suffrage League.

James Carey Thomas (1833-1897) served as Trustee of both Johns Hopkins University and Bryn Mawr College.

Dr. Henry M. Thomas was the first Clinical Professor of Neurology at Johns Hopkins Medical School.

James Carey (of the Mount) (1821-1894) served as the first President of the Provident Savings Bank in Baltimore.

Margaret Thomas Carey (1869-1945) served as Treasurer of Bryn Mawr School and was also active in the suffrage movement.

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (3 boxes)

Arrangement

The Carey and Kimber Families Manuscript Collection consists of three series: 1) Carey and Kimber family papers; 2) Published material and unrelated items; 3) Materials relating to Octorara House. The items in the collection date from 1847 to 1953. Each series is filed chronologically. All undated material comes before the dated material.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Anthony M. Carey in 2005.

Related Materials

PP231 Carey and Kimber families photograph collection

Scope and Contents

The items contained in the Carey and Kimber Families Manuscript Collection span over a hundred years, from 1847 to 1953. The collection consists of scrapbooks, business and personal correspondence, yearbooks, memoirs, memorial programs, real estate advertisements, maps and photographs. The items are arranged according to type in three series: 1) Carey and Kimber family papers; 2) Published material and unrelated items; 3) Materials relating to Octorara House. This collection may of use to those interested in researching the history of the Carey and Kimber families, as well as that of general Maryland history. There are a number of items relating to the Bryn Mawr college. Founded in 1885, it was the first university for women to offer a PH.D. program, an which Margaret Carey Thomas served both as Dean And President. The “Samuel Morris” narrative might a be of value to those researching the history of slavery in the United States. The importance of the items pertaining to Octorara House, a nineteenth century estate located in Conowingo Maryland and which is still in existence, rests in their value as part of an historical landmark. The site is registered at the National Historic Trust.

Title
Guide to the Carey and Kimber families manuscript collection
Author
Damon Talbot
Date
2007-07
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Revision Statements

  • 2020-01-02: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Catherine Mayfield

Repository Details

Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository

Contact:
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750