Martha J. Lamb papers
Call Number
Date
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
The Martha J. Lamb Papers contain a variety of material relating mostly to Lamb's professional life as historian, author, and editor. Much of this collection pertains to Lamb's tenure as editor of the Magazine of American History (1883-1893) including submissions, letters from readers and contributors, and correspondence dealing with internal production matters. The collection also contains letters received by Lamb regarding her work as an historian and author, a journal (1878-1879), and material for a number of Lamb's articles and addresses, including clippings, reviews, drafts, notes, correspondence, and proofs, and drafts of her History of the City of New York. Material in this collection also relates to activities of the Huguenot Society of America, various historical societies, scientific organizations, trade groups, social clubs, and the charitable societies of the Madison Square Presbyterian Church. In addition, the papers contain poetry, notes, financial and genealogical material, ephemera, visual material, and artifacts.
Biographical chronology
Dates in the life and career of Martha J. Lamb
Lamb's New York City addresses
New York City addresses of the Magazine of American History Magazine of American History
Arrangement
The Martha J. Lamb Papers are organized in the nineteen series listed below. Within each series, arrangment varies, but is usually alphabetical or chronological. See series descriptions in the container list for details.
A small amount of material is housed in oversize cabinets, marked as "Ov" on container list. The call phrase for these items is "Y-Lamb."
- Series I.
- Magazine of American History, 1883-1893, undated
- Series II.
- Lamb, Correspondence, 1769-1892 (bulk 1876-1892), undated
- Series III.
- Lamb, Journal, 1878 Oct. 18-1879 Apr. 21
- Series IV.
- Lamb, Articles and Addresses, 1874-1890, undated
- Series V.
- History of the City of New York, drafts, undated
- Series VI.
- Clippings, 1756-1892 (bulk 1876-1883), undated
- Series VII.
- Huguenot Society of America, 1879-1892, undated
- Series VIII.
- Madison Square Presbyterian Church, 1882-1889, undated
- Series IX.
- Organizational Material, 1854-1892, undated
- Series X.
- Poetry, 1869-1883, undated
- Series XI.
- Notes, undated
- Series XII.
- Financial Material, 1882-1891
- Series XIII.
- Genealogical Material, 1891-1892, undated
- Series XIV.
- Ephemera, 1873-1890, undated
- Series XV.
- Excursion: Marietta, Ohio, 1888
- Series XVI.
- Copies of Documents, undated
- Series XVII.
- Huntington Collection catalog, 1883
- Series XVIII.
- Visual Materials, [18]81, 1886, undated
- Series XIX.
- Artifacts, 1881, undated
Scope and Contents
The Martha J. Lamb Papers contain a variety of material relating mostly to Lamb's professional life as historian, author, and editor. The bulk date from 1876 through 1892. Much of this collection pertains to Lamb's tenure as editor of the Magazine of American History (1883-1893) including submissions, letters from readers and contributors, and correspondence dealing with internal production matters. The collection also contains letters received by Lamb regarding her work as a historian and author of the History of the City of New York, and a journal of Lamb's (1878-1879) detailing her workdays. Material for a number of Lamb's articles and addresses, including drafts, notes, correspondence, and proofs, illustrate her research, writing, and publication processes, as do drafts of her History of the City of New York. Twenty-seven scrapbooks kept by Lamb include clippings of her published articles and reviews of her work, documenting her career from 1863-1883.
Martha Lamb's prodigious involvement in numerous organizations is reflected in this collection. Material relates to activities of the Huguenot Society of America, where Lamb served as chairman of the Ladies Committee, various historical societies, scientific organizations, trade groups, and social clubs. The collection also includes items pertaining to Lamb's charity work in New York, conducted through the Madison Square Presbyterian Church led by the reformer Rev. Charles Parkhurst.
In addition, the Martha J. Lamb Papers contain poetry, notes, financial material (bills and receipts), genealogical material, and ephemera, including advertisements, tickets, invitations, and calling cards. A small amount of material relates to an 1888 excursion to Marietta, Ohio. Miscellaneous items in Lamb's possession include a collection of mostly late eighteenth century letters, copies of historical diaries and letters, and a Metropolitan Museum catalog. This collection also contains a few photographs (including cabinet cards of Lamb), prints, sketches, watercolors, tintypes, glass negatives, and printing blocks, many of which relate to her historical work. Assorted artifacts include a small cache of rocks, a sprig of heather, and a key.
The collection contains little personal material of Lamb's—a few items can be found among her correspondence, financial material, ephemera, and artifacts. In addition, Lamb's diary contains some personal information, though it deals mostly with her professional life as a writer and historian. The great bulk of the correspondence in this collection is letters received, with only a few copies and drafts of Lamb's letters and responses.
Martha J. Lamb, in her capacity as historian, published author, and magazine editor, effectively represents a public Victorian woman. This collection of mostly professional papers supports research in the history of nineteenth century women editors, writers, journalists, and historians. Although much of the material does not delineate the complexities faced by Lamb as a career woman, she does occasionally divulge her strategies. In an 1884 letter to Esther Herrman, for example, Lamb writes: "I am quite sure that you fully understand why I deem it the wiser course to do my work in the quietest possible way. Mine is a notable field, and if I provoke any opposition, there are plenty of aspiring men who would take the opportunity to get astride my pathway—thus making obstacles all the harder to overcome. My hope is to so triumph in the end that all womenkind will be benefitted [sic]."
This collection, with its abundance of Magazine of American History material, also broadly supports research in American historiography, and the histories of publishing and journalism. In addition, articles, notes and ephemera pertaining to New York City can be found in Lamb's papers.
Note: Lamb used a number of pennames, most of which were derived from family names. The names "Nash Vinton" and "Vinton Reade" appear in this collection. She also used the names "Nash Reade," "Emogene," and, probably, "Crisp."
Subjects
Families
Genres
Topics
Access Restrictions
Materials in this collection may be stored offsite. For more information on making arrangements to consult them, please visit www.nyhistory.org/library/visit.
Use Restrictions
Taking images of documents from the library collections for reference purposes by using hand-held cameras and in accordance with the library's photography guidelines is encouraged. As an alternative, patrons may request up to 20 images per day from staff.
Application to use images from this collection for publication should be made in writing to: Department of Rights and Reproductions, The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024-5194, rightsandrepro@nyhistory.org. Phone: (212) 873-3400 ext. 282.
Copyrights and other proprietary rights may subsist in individuals and entities other than the New-York Historical Society, in which case the patron is responsible for securing permission from those parties. For fuller information about rights and reproductions from N-YHS visit: https://www.nyhistory.org/about/rights-reproductions
Preferred Citation
This collection should be cited as the Martha J. Lamb Papers, MS 362, The New-York Historical Society.
Location of Materials
Separated Materials
• Magazine of American History letterbooks, April 4, 1884–1892 (7 volumes) Call phrase: BV Magazine of American History.
• Forty genealogies transferred to the Library in 1957, families unknown.
About this Guide
Processing Information
A small cache of items relating to or created by Martha J. Lamb (e.g., newspaper clippings, articles, manuscript notes, and some ephemera) was discovered during a project to clear out the N-YHS library stacks. This material was inserted into the Martha J. Lamb Papers by archivist Joseph Ditta, who also updated this finding aid in October 2022.
Edition of this Guide
Repository
Series I. Magazine of American History, 1883-1893, undated, inclusive
Subseries 1. Submissions, 1883-1892, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Articles, "Minor Topics," documents, prints. Bulk is articles. Arranged alphabetically by contributor. Letters and envelopes that accompanied these submissions remain with them. Many have Lamb's editorial comments added (usually on envelope). Further correspondence regarding submissions (follow ups, corrections, etc.) are filed in Subseries 2. Contributors include Frederick Law Olmsted on parks and landscape gardening, historian William Leete Stone, and postmaster-general Horatio King.
Submissions, A - B, 1889-1892, undated, inclusive
Submissions, Ca - Ch, 1891-1892, undated, inclusive
Submissions, Cowley, Undated
Submissions, Co - D, 1885-1892, undated, inclusive
Submissions, Este, Undated
Submissions, F - G, 1883-1891, undated, inclusive
Submissions, H, 1883-1891, undated, inclusive
Submissions, J, 1885-1887, undated, inclusive
Submissions, K, 1883-1885, undated, inclusive
Submissions, L - M, 1885-1890, undated, inclusive
Submissions, N - O, 1883-1889, undated, inclusive
Submissions, P, 1886-1890, undated, inclusive
Submissions, R, 1883-1889, undated, inclusive
Submissions, S, 1883-1892, undated, inclusive
Submissions, Stone, 1890, undated, inclusive
Submissions, T - We, 1885-1892, undated, inclusive
Submissions, Wh - Wo, 1883-1889, undated, inclusive
Submissions, Unidentified, Undated
Submissions, Unidentified, Undated
Submissions, alienated envelopes, 1886-1892, undated, inclusive
Subseries 2. Letters received from readers and contributors, 1883-1892, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Arranged by sender. Includes letters regarding published articles (corrections, comments), magazine subscriptions and copies, queries, replies to queries, notes, and contributors' follow-up correspondence regarding their submissions.
Letters received, A, 1886-1892, inclusive
Letters received, B, 1883-1892, inclusive
Letters received, C, 1883-1892, inclusive
Letters received, D, 1883-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, E - G, 1883-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, H - I, 1884-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, J - K, 1883-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, L - M, 1884-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, N - P, 1883-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, R, 1883-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, S, 1883-1892, inclusive
Letters received, T - V, 1888-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, W, 1887-1892, inclusive
Letters received, Unidentified, 1883-1892, undated, inclusive
Alienated envelopes, 1885-1892, undated, inclusive
Subseries 3. Letters received, re: MAH production matters, 1884-1892, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Arranged by sender. Includes letters from publishing trade associates regarding printing, engraving, advertising in MAH, and journal exchange. Also letters from employment seekers and advertisements/ circulars sent to MAH.
Letters received, re: printing, engraving, advertising, employment, 1884-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, re: journal exchange. Also advertisements/ circulars, portrait catalog, 1892, undated, inclusive
Subseries 4. Letters sent (copies/drafts), 1883-1891, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Includes a small number of copies and drafts of Lamb's responses to the above letters. For further copies of responses, see the seven letterbooks for the Magazine of American History in the Manuscript Department (call phrase: BV Magazine of American History). These letterbooks cover April 4, 1884 -- Dec. 1892. Each volume contains an index.
Letters sent, copies/drafts; also empty envelopes, MAH, 1883-1891, undated, inclusive
Subseries 5. Notes and clippings, 1886, 1892, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Includes notes and newspaper clippings about various historical societies' events for the magazine's "Societies" section, advertising, and a few of Lamb's drafts of notes and queries for publication.
Notes and clippings re: societies, 1892, undated, inclusive
Lamb re: MAH advertising, notes and queries, 1886, undated, inclusive
Series II. Lamb, Correspondence, 1769-1892, undated (bulk 1876-1892), inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Letters received arranged by sender; copies and drafts of letters sent arranged chronologically. Most correspondence in this series pertains to Lamb's work as historian and writer, although there are a few personal items. Two small collections of correspondence between others sent to Lamb are also included in this series.
Subseries 1. Letters received from publishers, 1876-1890, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Letters from Lamb's publishers, A.S. Barnes & Co. and University Press/ John Wilson & Son, regarding History of the City of New York.
Letters received, A.S. Barnes & Co., 1876-1890, inclusive
Letters received, A.S. Barnes & Co., re: subscriptions for History of the City of New York, vol. 2, 1880, inclusive
Letters received, University Press/ John Wilson & Son, 1876-1880, inclusive
Subseries 2. Letters received, 1871-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, A - B, 1877-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, C - D, 1871-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, J. Watts DePeyster, 1877-1886, undated, inclusive
Letters received, E - H, 1878-1885, undated, inclusive
Letters received, I - M, 1878-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, N - V, 1878-1892, undated, inclusive
Letters received, W, 1878-1889, undated, inclusive
Letters received, unidentified (also alienated envelopes), 1877-1881, undated, inclusive
Subseries 3. Letters sent, 1871-1886, undated, inclusive
Lamb, copies and drafts of letters sent, 1871-1886, undated, inclusive
Subseries 4. Letters, collections, 1769-1880, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
One collection consists of letters, mostly to John Reade, 1790-1804, from various senders including Richard Harison, Walter Livingston, and George Ludlow. This John Reade does not appear to be related to the Reades in Lamb's family. Lamb refers to the collection as "autographs." Sent to her by John W. Hamersley, 1880 (his note included). Another small collection, letters between R.M. Hartley and John A. Bryan, pertains to the New York Juvenile Asylum.
Letters between R.M. Hartley and John A. Bryan, 1861, sent to Lamb, 1861, undated, inclusive
Collection of letters, mostly to John Reade, 1790-1804, 1769-1828, 1880, undated, inclusive
Series III. Lamb, Journal, 1878-1879, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Lamb's title is "Memorandas and Notes of great interest—Preserve." Entries concern Lamb's articles and the History of the City of New York, lectures (including a lengthy description of her Nov. 5, 1878 address before The New-York Historical Society), social engagements and callers, correspondence, illnesses, Madison Square Presbyterian Church attendance, and sewing. Housed with scrapbook volumes in Box 10.
Journal, Oct. 18, 1878-April 21, 1879, inclusive
Series IV. Lamb, Articles and Addresses, 1874-1890, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Drafts, notes, correspondence relating to, and proofs of a few of Lamb's articles and addresses. Arranged alphabetically by title. Publication information follows title if known. One folder is housed in the Manuscript Department's oversize cabinets (Ov); call phrase: Y-Lamb, folder *1.
"Amasa J. Parker": correspondence (MAH Sept. 1890), 1889-1890, undated, inclusive
"American Life Saving Service": proofs (Harper's Feb. 1882), Undated
"An American Museum. The New York Historical Society Building," Andrews' American Queen, 1879 Feb., inclusive
"Chief Justice Morrison Remick Waite": drafts, notes, correspondence (MAH July 1888), 1888, undated, inclusive
"Electioneering in 1701. Exciting Political Controversies of Colonial New York," Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 1885 Nov. 1
"Historic Mansions of New York": notes (mostly blank), 1882, inclusive
"Historical 'Claremont'," Mail and Express, New York, 1885 Aug. 21
"In the Yale Library," New Haven Palladium, 1882 Jul. 31
"Less Known Incidents in the History of New York", Undated
"Lion Gardiner, Founder of the Manor of Gardiner's Island": copy of address read before N-YHS Nov. 5, 1878; see also "Manor of Gardiner's Island," (MAH Jan. 1885), Undated
Scope and Contents
With newspaper accounts of Lamb reading the paper before the New Haven Historical Society, 1882. Also contains a long New York Times piece, "Lion Gardiner's Island," dated August 10, 1879 and signed "E.A.D.," which is probably by Lamb.
"Lyme, a Chapter of American Genealogy": notes, correspondence, 1874-1885, undated, inclusive
"Lyme, a Chapter of American Genealogy": drafts, Undated
"Manor of Shelter Island": draft, notes, correspondence, photograph (MAH Nov. 1887), 1884-1887, undated, inclusive
"New York": draft (promotional essay for History of the City of New York), Undated
"New York Biography": notes, correspondence, 1878, undated, inclusive
"New York Biography": drafts, Undated
"New York City in 1789," Once a Week, undated, inclusive
"New York One Hundred Years Ago," Harper's Weekly supplement, 1876 Feb. 19
"Newark": notes and drafts, Undated
"Nicolas Bayard": draft (MAH ), Undated
"Old-Time Politics. A New York Conflict at the Beginning of the Last Century," Philadelphia Press, 1885 Nov. 1
"The Silk Industry of America—Corticelli Sewing-Silk," Andrews' American Queen, 1880 Jul. 17, inclusive
"Sixty Waymarks in the World's Progress": proofs, notes (MAH Aug. 1890 as "Vinton Reade"), Undated
"State and Society in Washington," Harper's New Monthly Magazine, 1878 Mar., inclusive
"A Terrible Time. Election Scenes of 1701 in Colonial New York," Sunday Times-Star, Cincinnati, 1885 Nov. 1
"Van Renssalear Manor": copy of address before Long Island Historical Society, Dec. 26, 1882 (revised and published in MAH Jan. 1884), Undated
Draft of speech before a gathering of women of the press in Boston (Possibly New England Women's Press Association, founded 1885), Undated
"Christmas Owl": proofs, 1881, inclusive
Series V. History of the City of New York, drafts, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
There are two drafts for a number of these time periods; some dates overlap with the rewriting. Also notes and documents for HCNY.
Table of Contents, Preface, Vol. 1, Undated
Drafts, 1613-1664, Undated
Drafts, 1664-1678, Undated
Drafts, 1678-1689, Undated
Drafts, 1689-1702, Undated
Drafts, 1701-1720, Undated
Table of Contents, Vol. 2; Drafts, 1710-1726, Undated
Drafts, 1750-1775, Undated
Drafts, 1775-1780, Undated
Drafts, 1780-1800, Undated
Drafts, 1800-1819, Undated
Drafts, 1832-1868, Undated
Notes and documents for HCNY, Undated
Series VI. Clippings, 1756-1892, undated (bulk 1876-1883), inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Includes twenty-seven scrapbook volumes containing clippings of many of Lamb's published articles, reviews of History of the City of New York and other publications, articles about Lamb's activities, and items on various topics. Five folders of loose clippings include articles about Lamb, particularly reviews of HCNY. Also loose newspaper clippings on various topics, and articles from eighteenth century magazines.
Scrapbooks are arranged roughly by content, then chronologically (dates overlap). The volumes have been numbered for paging purposes.
Some of the published articles are signed, but a number are unsigned, or a penname is used (the name "Crisp" occurs frequently). As Lamb was known to use pennames, and these pieces appear in scrapbooks along with signed articles of Lamb's, she is assumed to be the author.
Clippings, newspaper re: Lamb, 1879-1887, undated, inclusive
Clippings, newspaper, 1879-1892, undated, inclusive
Clippings, newspaper, 1879-1892, undated, inclusive
Clippings, newspaper, 1879-1892, undated, inclusive
Clippings, magazine: Universal Magazine, Annual Register, Gentleman's Magazine, Nation, 1756-1796, 1891, undated, inclusive
Clippings re: Lamb in Chicago (Sanitary Fairs, Ladies Relief Society, Lincoln's funeral procession, Ladies Industrial School Association; Lamb, unsigned articles from The Republic; reviews of Lamb's children's books (as "Aunt Mattie"); reviews of Lamb's novel Spicy, 1863-1873, undated, inclusive
Signed and unsigned articles ("Crisp"), probably Lamb; reviews of History of the City of New York, 1870-1876, inclusive
Lamb, articles; reviews of HCNY and the Christmas Owl; poetry; clippings re: Ladies of Sorosis dinner, (1881), and Goshen, Mass. anniversary, 1875-1882, undated, inclusive
Lamb, signed and unsigned articles Daily Graphic (probably Lamb); reviews of HCNY, 1876-1877, inclusive
Lamb, signed articles; unsigned articles ("Crisp"), 1876, undated, inclusive
Lamb, articles "Our New York Letter" Bazar, articles for Daily Graphic re: Newport, Saratoga Springs, etc.; signed and unsigned ("Crisp"), 1877, undated, inclusive
Lamb, articles, signed; unsigned, 1878, undated, inclusive
Lamb, articles, unsigned ("Nash Reade"), Undated
Lamb (probably), articles, unsigned, Undated
Lamb (probably), articles, unsigned "The Rise and Progress of Art", Undated
Lamb (probably), articles, unsigned "Hints on Household Decorations", Undated
Lamb, articles, "The Broken Pitcher", Undated
Lamb, articles, "The Broken Pitcher", Undated
Reviews, HCNY, 1876, undated, inclusive
Reviews, HCNY, 1876-1877, inclusive
Reviews, HCNY; clippings re: Lamb, 1876-1878, undated, inclusive
Reviews, HCNY, 1876-1879, undated, inclusive
Reviews, HCNY, 1877, undated, inclusive
Reviews, HCNY, 1877-1878, undated, inclusive
Reviews, HCNY, 1877-1881, undated, inclusive
Reviews, HCNY, Homes of America, 1877-1882, undated, inclusive
Reviews, HCNY, 1879, undated, inclusive
Reviews, HCNY, 1878-1883, inclusive
Reviews and ads for Lamb, various, 1882-1883, undated, inclusive
Loose clippings, various topics, 1874-1881, undated, inclusive
Clippings on various topics inc. women and athletics, NYC, the closing of A.T. Stewart & Co., 1878-1882, undated, inclusive
Clippings on various topics inc. Charles Parkhurst, 1881-1882, undated, inclusive
Clippings on various topics, many NYC, 1882-1883, undated, inclusive
Clippings on various topics (poor condition), 1852, 1888-1890, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes a printed "Map of the City of New York shewing [sic] the original high water line and the location of the different Farms and Estates," lithographed by Geo. Hayward for D. T. Valentine's Manual, 1852.
Series VII. Huguenot Society of America, 1879-1892, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Lamb was an active member of the Huguenot Society, and was chairman of the Ladies Committee. This series includes letters received by her pertaining to the society, three volumes of committee notebooks and minutes, and various society notes, clippings, genealogies, and ephemera.
Lamb, letters received: A - D, 1887-1892, inclusive
Lamb, letters received: E - W, 1879-1892, inclusive
Lamb, Ladies Committee: notebook, 1887-1888, inclusive
Lamb, Ladies Committee: minutes, 1889, inclusive
Lamb, Library Committee: minutes, 1888-1891, inclusive
Lamb, notes, application, Undated
Huguenot Society: genealogies, clippings, copies of administrative documents, notes, 1889-1892, undated, inclusive
Huguenot Society: tickets, calling cards, publications, blank letterhead, 1888-1892, undated, inclusive
Series VIII. Madison Square Presbyterian Church, 1882-1889, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Lamb was involved with the various charitable societies of the Madison Square Presbyterian Church led by the reformer Rev. Charles Parkhurst. She was on the Board of Managers of the Loan Relief Society, and was secretary/ treasurer for the Ladies Association, a group that aimed to unite a number of the church's charitable societies and clubs. This series includes reports for the Loan Relief Society, the Ladies Committee, and other church societies; notes and clippings; and material relating to Mary H. Brown, President of the Loan Relief Society.
In addition, the Manuscript Department holds one volume of Madison Square Church societies' papers for 1882, including the constitution of the Loan Relief Society. Most of this material is in Lamb's handwriting or is addressed to her; call phrase: BV NYC Churches Presbyterian.
Loan Relief Society: committee reports, constitution, notes, 1882-1889, undated, inclusive
Loan Relief Society, Mary H. Brown: letters received, clippings and resolutions on death of ---, notebooks, 1882-1884, undated, inclusive
Ladies Association: society reports, 1889, undated, inclusive
Other clubs / societies: reports, 1889, undated, inclusive
Clippings. Re: Charles Parkhurst, Greeley family, 1884, undated, inclusive
Series IX. Organizational Material, 1854-1892, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Lamb was a member of many of these historical societies, associations, and clubs. Arranged alphabetically by organization name. Material includes membership certificates, circulars and ephemera pertaining to meetings, correspondence, dues receipts. The larger certificates are housed in the Manuscript Department's oversize cabinets (Ov); call phrase: Y-Lamb, folder *2.
American Academy of Political and Social Science: meeting notice, 1891, inclusive
American Association for the Advancement of Science: circulars, forms, tickets, clippings relating to annual meetings, 1880-1887, inclusive
American Historical Association: correspondence, program, 1889-1892, inclusive
Charleston Library Society: prospectus, circulars, Undated
Clarendon Historical Society; Edinburgh, Scotland: correspondence, membership notices and receipts, certificate of fellowship, 1883-1884, inclusive
Daughters of the American Revolution: correspondence, booklets, invitation, 1891, undated, inclusive
General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York: correspondence, solicitation, invitation, 1889-1892, undated, inclusive
Ladies Industrial School Association of Chicago: reports, clippings, constitution, correspondence, notes, insurance policy, 1854-1864, undated, inclusive
Ladies Industrial School Association of Chicago: minutebook, 1854-1861, inclusive
Ladies of Sorosis: drafts of toasts and speeches, correspondence, and notes relating to dinner in honor of Lamb, May 12, 1881, 1881, undated, inclusive
New Century Historical Society: meeting notice, address, 1891-1892, inclusive
New Jersey Historical Society: letters received, etc., 1898-1892, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes Mrs. Frederick H. Pierson's paper, "Mrs. Martha J. Lamb, The Historian," read before the Society, September 28, 1888.
New York Academy of Science: receipt for dues, 1887, inclusive
New York Genealogical & Biographical Society: receipt for dues, 1887, inclusive
New-York Historical Society: receipts for dues, notice for Lamb's lecture (1878), fundraising notice, 1878-1892, undated, inclusive
New York Medico-Legal Society: circulars relating to meetings, society members and events, 1890-1892, undated, inclusive
Nineteenth Century Club: receipts for dues, 1887, 1889, inclusive
Pot Luck Club: picnic invitation and Lamb's regrets, 1881, inclusive
Rhode Island Historical Society: invitations, 1885, inclusive
Tarrytown Historical Society: meeting notices, 1890-1892, inclusive
Tuxedo Club: invitation, 1889, inclusive
X.Y.Z. (literary club): correspondence, 1878, inclusive
General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York: membership and graduate certificates, Undated
Historical Society of Tennessee: membership certificate, 1888, inclusive
New Jersey Historical Society: membership certificate, 1888, inclusive
New York Medico-Legal Society: membership certificate, 1889, inclusive
Series X. Poetry, 1869-1883, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Drafts and proofs of Lamb's poems. Also clippings, drafts, and a pamphlet of poetry by others.
Lamb: drafts and proofs (handwritten and printed), 1869-1880, undated, inclusive
Others: clippings, drafts, pamphlet, 1880-1883, inclusive
Series XI. Notes, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Includes Lamb's notes regarding her life, publications, historical figures, events, and places. Also notes, not in Lamb's hand, including excerpts from California newspapers the Californian and California Star, 1848 re: Gold Rush, and unidentified notes written on the reverse of wallpaper.
Lamb, Notes re: her publications, Undated
Lamb, Notes re: historical figures, events, places, Undated
Notes from California newspapers, 1848 (not in Lamb's hand) including letters to ed, articles, ads, poetry, Undated
Notes, unidentified. Includes fragments of a draft, on reverse of wallpaper (not in Lamb's hand) re: Napoleon's family, Undated
"Mrs. Lamb's Study of Herself", 1880, inclusive
"One Corner of Berkshire", [1887?], inclusive
Scope and Contents
With a Boston Post article, August 8, 1887, describing "Mrs. Martha J. Lamb's Paper on 'My Recollections of One Corner of Massachusetts."
Series XII. Financial Material, 1882-1891, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Bills and receipts, for professional and personal items.
Bills and receipts, 1882-1891, inclusive
Series XIII. Genealogical Material, 1891-1892, undated (bulk undated), inclusive
Scope and Contents note
For Lamb (Reade) plus various families, many New York State. An additional forty genealogies were transferred to the Library in 1957.
Lamb: Reade family, Undated
A - J, Undated
K - S, unidentified, 1891-1892, undated, inclusive
Series XIV. Ephemera, 1873-1890, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Includes ads for Lamb's publications, including History of the City of New York (also partial list of subscribers) and Magazine of American History, as well as various ads for hotels, building lots, household items, books, and book accessories. Also included are calling cards, tickets and notices of concerts and lectures, admission tickets to the Fifth Avenue Reading Room and the Tombs, and invitations to graduations and a wedding.
Ads for Lamb publications, 1884-1885, undated, inclusive
Ads, 1873-1875,undated, inclusive
Calling cards, stationery, Undated
Tickets and notices, 1877-1879, undated, inclusive
Invitations, 1878, 1890, inclusive
Series XV. Excursion: Marietta, Ohio, 1888, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
From July 15 -- 20, 1888, Lamb attended the "National Centennial of the Establishment of Civil Government in the 'Territory North West of the River Ohio' and of the First Settlement thereof under the Ordinance of 1787" at Marietta, Ohio. This series includes programs, correspondence, circulars, publications, clippings, and a B & O R.R. timetable relating to the excursion. Lamb's article about the centennial can be found in the Magazine of American History, Sept., 1888.
Programs, correspondence, circulars, publications, timetable, 1888, undated, inclusive
Clippings, mostly from Marietta Register, 1888, undated, inclusive
Series XVI. Copies of documents, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Includes a copy of the 1776 diary of Dr. James Clitherall, extracts from diaries and letters of Rev. Horace Holley, and an unidentified author's firsthand account of the Chicago fire, 1871. These items do not appear to be Magazine of American History submissions. Lamb's editorial notations can be found on some; their use by her is unclear.
Dr. James Clitherall—copy of diary, 1776 (possibly sent to Lamb by G. Woodbridge, Marietta, OH, 1890), Undated
Rev. Horace Holley—extracts from letters and diary re: Yale, Columbia, Princeton, Undated
Rev. Horace Holley— copies of letters from New York, 1818, Undated
Rev. Horace Holley—copy of letter re: visit to Mt. Vernon, 1818, Undated
Rev. Horace Holley—copies of letters from Edward Everett re: Kean riots of Boston, 1825, Undated
Copy of document re: Chicago fire, 1871, author unknown, Undated
Series XVII. Huntington Collection catalog, 1883, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Catalog of the Huntington Collection at the Metropolitan Museum.
Huntington Collection, Metropolitan Museum. On microfilm, Misc. reel #46, 1883, inclusive
Series XVIII. Visual Materials, [18]81, 1886, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Includes photographs, glass negatives, sketches, prints, tintypes, printing blocks, and colored prints. Ten items are housed in Oversize cabinets (Ov), call phrase Y-Lamb, folder *3. Printing blocks are housed separately, in Box 18.
Cabinet cards, portraits, Lamb (5), Undated
Cased photograph, portrait, subject unknown (possibly relative), Undated
Sketches, prints, stereographs, photograph of coastal scenes for possible use with Lamb's "American Life Saving Service" (Harper's Feb. 1882) (10 items), [18]81, undated
Sketch of New York harbor on tissue paper, Undated
Print, map of Europe at the time of Charlemagne (possibly used for MAH), Undated
Print, Earl of Beaconsfield (torn into many pieces), Undated
Prints, Nash coat of arms (numerous copies), Undated
Glass negatives, library scene (5), Undated
Tintypes (10), sketched portraits and scenes (probably for MAH), Undated
Printing blocks (5) coats of arms, signatures, Undated
Wooden block with sketch, possibly Erie Canal opening celebration, Undated
Colored prints (3), owls and blue jays, Undated
Sketches of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia (7), 1886, undated, inclusive
Series XIX. Artifacts, 1881, undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Includes souvenir rocks and heather, a key, wax seals, a miniature easel, a book cover, and cardboard. One item housed in Oversize cabinets (Ov), call phrase Y-Lamb, folder *1.