American Canal Society Records (MS284)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Local History/Special Collections
717 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Patricia Walker, Branch Manager
Phone: (703) 746-1719
Phone: (703) 838-4577
Fax: (703) 706-3912
Preferred citation:

[item identification], American Canal Society Records, MS284, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
.115 Cubic Feet 12 folders
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[item identification], American Canal Society Records, MS284, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection includes Hahn's early correspondence as society president, records of advocacy with the National Park Service, flyers advertising canal publications, brochures for different canals, and documents relating to canal research as well as selected news clippings. A few whole and partial issues of the newsletter "Along the Towpath" are also included. There is also some graphical material depicting canals, canal boats, and structures, primarily in the form of prints.

Biographical / historical:

The American Canal Society was founded on January 1st, 1972, by Captain Thomas F. Hahn, (U.S. Navy Retired) of Fort Meade Maryland. Hahn served as its president from 1972-1997.

The Canal Society was founded as a national organization to coordinate different local societies and serve local canal enthusiasts in places where such societies were lacking as a clearinghouse for information. It's early focus included creating a comprehensive list of American canals and surviving canal structures, the distribution of canal related literature, and the preservation and maintenance of canal-centric parks.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard