William J. Canby papers

Correspondence, manuscripts, and documents relating to William J. Canby's speech in the Pennsylvania Historical Society, including a copy of the presentation and sworn affidavits from Margaret Boggs, Rachel Fletcher, Sophia B. Hildebrandt; Susan Satterthwaite Newport, Susanna McCord Turner and Margared McCord Smith; William J. Canby's "My own recollections of Grandmother Elizabeth Claypoole," and the pencil notes to his mother and aunts.

George Canby and his research are represented by his correspondence with his brother, John Quincy Adams, secretary of the American Flag House and Betsy Ross Memorial Association, London firm B.F. Stevens and Brown, and other persons. There are also a manuscript of his "Evolution of the American Flag" and correspondence of Lloyd Balderston, John L. Balderston, and Marion Balderston regarding the Betsy Ross story and the debates over its authenticity.

The collection also includes genealogical and historical data relating to Ross, Canby, and Claypoole families, including the daybook of Isaiah Canby covering 1797-1802.

The ephemera include pamphlets, newspaper clippings, postcards and photographs.