Archival Collections
An archival collection of records is an accumulation of materials either brought together based on a common characteristic, such as a subject or medium, or created by an individual, family, organization, or business.
The following finding aids relate to collections held by the Natick Historical Society. Finding aids assist researchers in using and understanding individual collections. They contain information about the collection, including administrative history or biographical notes; the scope of the collection, including size, subjects, media, organization, and arrangement; acquisition, provenance, and processing; and an inventory of its contents.
Ac 2018.25 Shirley Brown Collection
The Shirley Brown Collection focuses on Shirley Brown's family members, including her extended family, going back three generations to her great-grandparents. The collection primarily focuses on Shirley’s great-grandparents, Albert and Emma Smith, her grandparents, Charles and Hattie Smith, and her mother, Mildred Smith.
The materials include archival documents - photographs, letters, and organizational records- reflecting Shirley’s family history. Other materials found in the collection document the history of the General Wadsworth Independent Relief Corps, a Natick branch of the Grand Army of the Republic: a veterans’ support organization. Additionally, artifacts as part of the collection are housed in the Natick History Museum, including personal items of family members and articles related to the GAR.
Ac 2016.1.1 Erica Ball Personal Papers
This collection contains documents, correspondence, photographs, news clippings, notes, and ephemera related to Erica Ball’s extensive work in local government and service organizations, including the town of Natick’s Board of Selectmen, League of Women Voters, and Housing Authority, among others.
This collection also contains letters, memos, and reports created during her 1982 campaign for Massachusetts State Representative. Series within this collection are arranged alphabetically by Series Title.
Ac 2016.1.2 Jay Ball Personal Papers
This collection contains documents, correspondence, photographs, news clippings, notes, and ephemera related to Jay Ball’s extensive work in local government and service organizations, including the town of Natick’s Board of Selectmen, the Temple Israel Ark Builders, and the School Bus Transportation Safety Study Committee, among others. This collection also contains materials relating to Ball’s business and personal interests in photography and theater.
Vice President Henry Wilson Collection
The Henry Wilson Collection includes personal correspondence to and from Vice President Henry Wilson; his wife, Harriet M. Wilson; their son, Henry Hamilton Wilson; their adopted daughter, Evangeline Wilson Carpenter; as well as Mrs. Wilson’s sisters and mother. The collection also contains letters from Henry Wilson’s political colleagues.
Several communications originate from the United States Senate and other governmental bodies. As of May 1, 2009, the papers do not have assigned collection or accession numbers, or such numbers are unknown. A simple sequential numbering system (1–131) has been retained.
Ac 2011:13 Whipple Co. Grandmother’s Mincemeat Records
The Whipple Company records span from 1893 to 2004 and document the history of the company best known for producing Grandmother’s Mincemeat. The collection includes advertisements for Grandmother’s products, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and other media coverage. It also contains legal and planning documents, photographs, audio recordings, product packaging, pamphlets, plaques, labels, and various related objects.