Research

• Full Finding Aid
• Overview
• Arrangement
• Scope and Contents
• Access Restrictions
• Custodial History
• Access Terms

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Scrapbooks

Some content may contain outdated and offensive terminology. See: New York State Archives Statement on Language in Descriptive Resources

Overview of the Records

Arrangement

By subject, then chronological.

Scope and Content Note

Scrapbooks consist mostly of news clippings concerning conditions at the House of Refuge and crime and prison conditions throughout the United States.

Volume 1 contains programs for shows or other events at the institution and clippings concerning: controversy over the institution's implementation of the "Freedom of Worship Act" of 1892 requiring state-funded institutions to allow Roman Catholic services; and the history and programs of the institution. These items were pasted in an old school record book. Pages covering 1867-1870 are still readable, listing inmates, inmate numbers, classes, and grades.

Volume 2 contains clippings concerning: charges of mismanagement at the institution; State Board of Charities investigations into conditions at and management of the institution; escapes from the institution; and programs and exhibits held by the institution. Volumes 3 and 4 contain clippings mostly concerning violent crimes committed throughout the United States. Volume 5 contains clippings concerning prisons and prison conditions, parole systems, and the legal system in New York State and elsewhere in the country. Very few items in these last three volumes relate to the House of Refuge. There is no indication of who compiled these scrapbooks or why they were kept.

Custodial History

The Department of Correction placed these records on loan to the Syracuse University Library from 1960-1977.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.

Access Terms