Harmony Society Papers
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of documents from the Harmony Society, mostly correspondence involving leader Johann Georg Rapp (addressed as George). It also contains bank statements, promissary notes, postcards, and other papers pertaining to the daily operation of the Society.
Dates
- 1817
- Aug. 8, 1825 - Nov. 7, 1870
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions governing access to this collection.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.
Biographical / Historical
The Harmony Society was founded by Johann Georg Rapp in Germany in the 1780s and relocated to the United States in 1803. They were Anabaptist Christians seeking religious freedowm and within the United States, they moved twice, from Pennsylvania to Indiana and then back to a different site in Pennsylvania. Believing that the second coming would occur during their lifetimes, Rapp preached celibacy, and the low birth rate thinned out the Society until it dissolved in 1905. At its height, the Society was known for its production of quality wine, whiskey, and textiles.
Extent
0.25 Linear Feet (One binder box.)
Language of Materials
English
German
Abstract
This collection can provide researchers insight into the daily operations of the Harmony Society and the thinking of its leader, Johann Georg Rapp. It offers correspondece between Father Rapp and many of his members, as well as some external organizations. Ephemera demonstrate some of the mechanics by which the Society maintained itself financially.
Arrangement
The binder box is divided into Manuscripts, Ephemera, and Postcards. The manuscripts are arranged chronologically.Two seperate small boxes house both hymnals.
- Collective settlements -- Organization and administration Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Communalism Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Author
- Dana Goettler
- Date
- Nov., 2022
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Hamilton College Special Collections Repository
Hamilton College
198 College Hill Road
Clinton NY 13323 United States
cgoodwil@hamilton.edu
