Dr. Alexander Lawrence Ames
@wordinwilderness.bsky.social
Historian, curator, & bibliophile. Author of Portrait of a Citizen, The Word in the Wilderness, and Grolier Club Bookplates: Past & Present.
I'll be presenting on my #StephenGirard #research at the Alliance Française de Philadelphie on March 27th! Follow this link to learn more: www.afphila.com/event-rsvp/b...
#research #writing #materialculture #materialtexts #Frenchhistory #French #bookhistory
#research #writing #materialculture #materialtexts #Frenchhistory #French #bookhistory
February 3, 2026 at 11:56 PM
I'll be presenting on my #StephenGirard #research at the Alliance Française de Philadelphie on March 27th! Follow this link to learn more: www.afphila.com/event-rsvp/b...
#research #writing #materialculture #materialtexts #Frenchhistory #French #bookhistory
#research #writing #materialculture #materialtexts #Frenchhistory #French #bookhistory
Mercedes de Acosta's copy of book 4 of Thomas à Kempis's "The Imitation of Christ."
#rarebooks #miniaturebooks #specialcollections #libraries #MercedesdeAcosta
#rarebooks #miniaturebooks #specialcollections #libraries #MercedesdeAcosta
February 2, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Mercedes de Acosta's copy of book 4 of Thomas à Kempis's "The Imitation of Christ."
#rarebooks #miniaturebooks #specialcollections #libraries #MercedesdeAcosta
#rarebooks #miniaturebooks #specialcollections #libraries #MercedesdeAcosta
Photos of the collection presentation at our first session of the new "Mad" Women #bookclub at the @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social.
#libraries #specialcollections #museums #books #rarebooks #manuscripts
#libraries #specialcollections #museums #books #rarebooks #manuscripts
January 15, 2026 at 11:54 AM
Photos of the collection presentation at our first session of the new "Mad" Women #bookclub at the @rosenbachmuseum.bsky.social.
#libraries #specialcollections #museums #books #rarebooks #manuscripts
#libraries #specialcollections #museums #books #rarebooks #manuscripts
Many of the prints I encountered in New Bedford, including this one, were printed by Charles Taber & Co., a prominent local firm at the end of the 19th century.
#prints #printculture #NewBedford #whaling #PortraitofaCitizen
#prints #printculture #NewBedford #whaling #PortraitofaCitizen
January 9, 2026 at 12:16 PM
Many of the prints I encountered in New Bedford, including this one, were printed by Charles Taber & Co., a prominent local firm at the end of the 19th century.
#prints #printculture #NewBedford #whaling #PortraitofaCitizen
#prints #printculture #NewBedford #whaling #PortraitofaCitizen
When purchased from the Girard estate by George Howland for whaling use, the pious Howland had the ROUSSEAU's figurehead of Jean-Jacques Rousseau removed (and decapitated!), replacing it with this billethead.
#maritimehistory #Rousseau #PortraitofaCitizen #StephenGirard #whaling #materialculture
#maritimehistory #Rousseau #PortraitofaCitizen #StephenGirard #whaling #materialculture
January 8, 2026 at 11:49 AM
When purchased from the Girard estate by George Howland for whaling use, the pious Howland had the ROUSSEAU's figurehead of Jean-Jacques Rousseau removed (and decapitated!), replacing it with this billethead.
#maritimehistory #Rousseau #PortraitofaCitizen #StephenGirard #whaling #materialculture
#maritimehistory #Rousseau #PortraitofaCitizen #StephenGirard #whaling #materialculture
The problem with historical research is that one inevitably discovers many other topics that one wants to research. This happened to me in New Bedford: I fell quite in love with the works of Lemuel David Eldred (1848-1921).
#NewBedford #Fairhaven #PortraitofaCitizen #whaling #maritimehistory
#NewBedford #Fairhaven #PortraitofaCitizen #whaling #maritimehistory
January 7, 2026 at 11:47 AM
The problem with historical research is that one inevitably discovers many other topics that one wants to research. This happened to me in New Bedford: I fell quite in love with the works of Lemuel David Eldred (1848-1921).
#NewBedford #Fairhaven #PortraitofaCitizen #whaling #maritimehistory
#NewBedford #Fairhaven #PortraitofaCitizen #whaling #maritimehistory
One of my favorite photos of the whaling bark ROUSSEAU (left) with the DESDEMONA at New Bedford, ca. 1893. The photo is by Edwin Hale Lincoln and titled "Their Last Port." New Bedford Free Public Library, 2010.007.012.019j.
#NewBedford #maritimehistory #StephenGirard #whaling #PortraitofaCitizen
#NewBedford #maritimehistory #StephenGirard #whaling #PortraitofaCitizen
January 6, 2026 at 12:07 PM
One of my favorite photos of the whaling bark ROUSSEAU (left) with the DESDEMONA at New Bedford, ca. 1893. The photo is by Edwin Hale Lincoln and titled "Their Last Port." New Bedford Free Public Library, 2010.007.012.019j.
#NewBedford #maritimehistory #StephenGirard #whaling #PortraitofaCitizen
#NewBedford #maritimehistory #StephenGirard #whaling #PortraitofaCitizen
New Bedford Harbor, seen here at the end of the 19th century. The whaling bark ROUSSEAU sailed out of New Bedford for decades following the death of #StephenGirard. This photo is from the collection of the New Bedford Free Public Library.
#maritimehistory #NewBedford #whaling #PortraitofaCitizen
#maritimehistory #NewBedford #whaling #PortraitofaCitizen
January 5, 2026 at 10:53 AM
New Bedford Harbor, seen here at the end of the 19th century. The whaling bark ROUSSEAU sailed out of New Bedford for decades following the death of #StephenGirard. This photo is from the collection of the New Bedford Free Public Library.
#maritimehistory #NewBedford #whaling #PortraitofaCitizen
#maritimehistory #NewBedford #whaling #PortraitofaCitizen
There are times I feel I've gotten to know #StephenGirard a bit too well. Behold Stephen's stockings! These are wonderful survivals, notable because of the darning on them, indicative of the multiracial female labor present in Girard's household.
#PortraitofaCitizen #materialculture
#PortraitofaCitizen #materialculture
January 4, 2026 at 12:57 PM
There are times I feel I've gotten to know #StephenGirard a bit too well. Behold Stephen's stockings! These are wonderful survivals, notable because of the darning on them, indicative of the multiracial female labor present in Girard's household.
#PortraitofaCitizen #materialculture
#PortraitofaCitizen #materialculture
Founder's Hall at #GirardCollege, one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country.
#Museums #PortraitofaCitizen #StephenGirard
#Museums #PortraitofaCitizen #StephenGirard
January 3, 2026 at 11:31 AM
Founder's Hall at #GirardCollege, one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country.
#Museums #PortraitofaCitizen #StephenGirard
#Museums #PortraitofaCitizen #StephenGirard
Stephen Girard's surviving library at Girard College is home to many impressive cartouches, including this one, which I believe is from his copy of the "Pilote Americain Septetrional" of 1778.
#rarebooks #prints #specialcollections #StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen
#rarebooks #prints #specialcollections #StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen
January 2, 2026 at 11:26 PM
Stephen Girard's surviving library at Girard College is home to many impressive cartouches, including this one, which I believe is from his copy of the "Pilote Americain Septetrional" of 1778.
#rarebooks #prints #specialcollections #StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen
#rarebooks #prints #specialcollections #StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen
The entombed, and emmarbled, Stephen Girard in Founder's Hall at Girard College, which opened its doors and began operations on New Year's Day 1848.
#StephenGirard #GirardCollege #PortraitofaCitizen
#StephenGirard #GirardCollege #PortraitofaCitizen
January 1, 2026 at 2:05 PM
The entombed, and emmarbled, Stephen Girard in Founder's Hall at Girard College, which opened its doors and began operations on New Year's Day 1848.
#StephenGirard #GirardCollege #PortraitofaCitizen
#StephenGirard #GirardCollege #PortraitofaCitizen
Another fun #GirardCollege photo, showing the "Memorial Room" in 1893.
#StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #research #archives #museums #specialcollections
#StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #research #archives #museums #specialcollections
December 31, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Another fun #GirardCollege photo, showing the "Memorial Room" in 1893.
#StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #research #archives #museums #specialcollections
#StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #research #archives #museums #specialcollections
This is one of my favorite historic photos I've encountered during research for #PortraitofaCitizen, showing the "Memorial Room" in Founder's Hall at Girard College in 1893.
#materialculture #decorativeart #museums #specialcollections #StephenGirard
#materialculture #decorativeart #museums #specialcollections #StephenGirard
December 30, 2025 at 3:35 PM
This is one of my favorite historic photos I've encountered during research for #PortraitofaCitizen, showing the "Memorial Room" in Founder's Hall at Girard College in 1893.
#materialculture #decorativeart #museums #specialcollections #StephenGirard
#materialculture #decorativeart #museums #specialcollections #StephenGirard
Stephen Girard's top hat! Perfect for a New Year's outing, I think.
#StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #materialculture #museums
#StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #materialculture #museums
December 29, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Stephen Girard's top hat! Perfect for a New Year's outing, I think.
#StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #materialculture #museums
#StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #materialculture #museums
An outcome of my research into the #PhilosopherShips of #StephenGirard is that I now get very excited about little chunks of wood in various museum collections. Here's an example: a piece of the ROUSSEAU at Girard College.
#PortraitofaCitizen #maritimehistory #Rousseau #NewBedford
#PortraitofaCitizen #maritimehistory #Rousseau #NewBedford
December 28, 2025 at 1:23 PM
An outcome of my research into the #PhilosopherShips of #StephenGirard is that I now get very excited about little chunks of wood in various museum collections. Here's an example: a piece of the ROUSSEAU at Girard College.
#PortraitofaCitizen #maritimehistory #Rousseau #NewBedford
#PortraitofaCitizen #maritimehistory #Rousseau #NewBedford
Stephen Girard maintained an interest in politics and the life and work of Founding Fathers and other leaders. One gets the sense that he modeled his philanthropy and civic engagement on ideals of service embodied in national leaders.
#rarebooks #specialcollections #libraries #PortraitofaCitizen
#rarebooks #specialcollections #libraries #PortraitofaCitizen
December 27, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Stephen Girard maintained an interest in politics and the life and work of Founding Fathers and other leaders. One gets the sense that he modeled his philanthropy and civic engagement on ideals of service embodied in national leaders.
#rarebooks #specialcollections #libraries #PortraitofaCitizen
#rarebooks #specialcollections #libraries #PortraitofaCitizen
Stephen Girard was a meticulous record-keeper, as evinced by these wooden chests in which he stored financial records associated with all of his vessels' voyages. Here you see the chest for the MONTESQUIEU.
#StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #archives #specialcollections #libraries #museums
#StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #archives #specialcollections #libraries #museums
December 26, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Stephen Girard was a meticulous record-keeper, as evinced by these wooden chests in which he stored financial records associated with all of his vessels' voyages. Here you see the chest for the MONTESQUIEU.
#StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #archives #specialcollections #libraries #museums
#StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #archives #specialcollections #libraries #museums
A very Merry Christmas to all from some singing Girard College students, ca. 1920s.
#GirardCollege #FoundersHall #PortraitofaCitizen #Christmas #MerryChristmas
#GirardCollege #FoundersHall #PortraitofaCitizen #Christmas #MerryChristmas
December 24, 2025 at 1:45 PM
A very Merry Christmas to all from some singing Girard College students, ca. 1920s.
#GirardCollege #FoundersHall #PortraitofaCitizen #Christmas #MerryChristmas
#GirardCollege #FoundersHall #PortraitofaCitizen #Christmas #MerryChristmas
In December 1922, these students enjoyed some Christmas festivities at Girard College.
#GirardCollege #StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen
#GirardCollege #StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen
December 23, 2025 at 12:54 PM
In December 1922, these students enjoyed some Christmas festivities at Girard College.
#GirardCollege #StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen
#GirardCollege #StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen
Here's another Christmas lantern slide from the Girard College Historical Collection: Evangeline Wilbour Blashfield's "Christmas Chimes." Manufactured by the Keystone View Company.
#lanternslides #magiclantern #StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #GirardCollege #FoundersHall
#lanternslides #magiclantern #StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #GirardCollege #FoundersHall
December 22, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Here's another Christmas lantern slide from the Girard College Historical Collection: Evangeline Wilbour Blashfield's "Christmas Chimes." Manufactured by the Keystone View Company.
#lanternslides #magiclantern #StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #GirardCollege #FoundersHall
#lanternslides #magiclantern #StephenGirard #PortraitofaCitizen #GirardCollege #FoundersHall
For some holiday cheer, let's contemplate this magic lantern slide of Steinle's "Christmas of St. Francis," from the Girard College Historical Collection. Note the angels floating above Francis, including one playing my favorite instrument.
#PortraitofaCitizen #StephenGirard #lanternslides
#PortraitofaCitizen #StephenGirard #lanternslides
December 21, 2025 at 11:32 AM
For some holiday cheer, let's contemplate this magic lantern slide of Steinle's "Christmas of St. Francis," from the Girard College Historical Collection. Note the angels floating above Francis, including one playing my favorite instrument.
#PortraitofaCitizen #StephenGirard #lanternslides
#PortraitofaCitizen #StephenGirard #lanternslides
St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Ft. Washington, PA was the perfect, festive setting for my Celtic harp Christmas workshop/recital today.
#Celticharp #Christmastime
#Celticharp #Christmastime
December 21, 2025 at 12:30 AM
St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Ft. Washington, PA was the perfect, festive setting for my Celtic harp Christmas workshop/recital today.
#Celticharp #Christmastime
#Celticharp #Christmastime
Another ROUSSEAU-related treasure from the New Bedford Whaling Museum: a logbook kept aboard the bark in 1866.
#manuscripts #libraries #archives #specialcollections #PortraitofaCitizen #whaling #maritimehistory
#manuscripts #libraries #archives #specialcollections #PortraitofaCitizen #whaling #maritimehistory
December 20, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Another ROUSSEAU-related treasure from the New Bedford Whaling Museum: a logbook kept aboard the bark in 1866.
#manuscripts #libraries #archives #specialcollections #PortraitofaCitizen #whaling #maritimehistory
#manuscripts #libraries #archives #specialcollections #PortraitofaCitizen #whaling #maritimehistory
Fun Philadelphia fact: Professor William Wagner, founder of the Wagner Free Institute of Science, worked for #StephenGirard early in his career! And he enjoys a special association with the #BassOtis portrait of Girard, rooted in his educational philosophy.
#archives #museums #libraries
#archives #museums #libraries
December 19, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Fun Philadelphia fact: Professor William Wagner, founder of the Wagner Free Institute of Science, worked for #StephenGirard early in his career! And he enjoys a special association with the #BassOtis portrait of Girard, rooted in his educational philosophy.
#archives #museums #libraries
#archives #museums #libraries