Helene and Estelle Philibert Papers, 1947-1964.

Access and use

Location of collection:
Colonial Williamsburg
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
P.O. Box 1776
Williamsburg, VA 23187
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Douglas Mayo
Phone: (757) 565-8521
Phone: (757) 565-8520
Fax: (757) 565-8528

Summary

Creator:
Helene Philibert. Estelle Philibert.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Papers include notes, printed pamphlets, brochures, catalogues and newspaper clippings, as well as typescripts and copies of documents. They pertain to the Philiberts' research on different topics and individuals. The bulk of the collection pertains to Helene Philibert's research on John Paul Jones (1747-1792) for Samuel Eliot Morisons's (1887-1976) work on Jones entitled John Paul Jones: a Sailor's Biography, c.1959. The Jones research contains copies of documents pertaining to or written by Jones. These papers concern primarily his arrival in America and his service in the United States Navy during the Revolution (1776-1781.)

Also includes correspondence between Samuel Eliot Morison and Helene Philibert documenting the research process, and clippings and photos pertaining to Jones and to Morison's career. Other topics and individuals include the Montague, Minor and Weeks families; the Ball family, especially Mary Washington Ball (1708-1789); the Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), especially his 1824-25 visit to the United States, and the Society of the American Friends of Lafayette; and the Mason family, especially John Mason, the growth of Washington, D.C., and Gunston Hall.

Biographical / historical:

Helene and Estelle Philibert, researchers of Alexandria, Virginia, were employed by the Department of the Navy in a confidential capacity for many years and later assisted with naval history projects.

Acquisition information:
Gift, 1990.
Arrangement:

This collection has been organized into 7 series:
Series 1. John Paul Jones Research
Series 2. Samuel Eliot Morison Publications
Series 3. Ball Family Research
Series 4. Lafayette Research
Series 5. Mason Family Research
Series 6. Montague/Minor/Weeks Research
Series 7. Miscellaneous Materials
Series 8. Oversize Materials

Physical description:
1 linear ft.