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For a forthcoming exhibition, “Symbols of the Commonwealth: Pennsylvania’s Capitol,” at The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, researchers and curators are seeking vintage photographs, postcards, drawings and paintings, original furnishings, and objects relating to the various buildings that housed the Keystone State’s seat of government. Of particular interest are commemorative pieces, souvenirs, and images made for the dedication of the present Capitol, as well as for other ceremonies, such as the unveiling of important sculpture, and photographs and views of the early landscaping of the Capitol grounds. In addition to objects and artifacts, exhibition staff members are interested in interviewing individuals with interesting memories of the building. “Symbols of the Commonwealth” is slated to open in fall 1992. Individuals or institutions able to assist in this research project are asked to write: Ellen Denker, Guest Curator, The State Museum of Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 1026, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1026; or telephone (717) 787-4980.

Pennsylvania Heritage will publish an article chronicling the history of The Pennsylvania Society, which will host its ninety­-fourth annual meeting in New York in December 1992. The author of this article – who writes regularly for this magazine – is especially interested in photographs for possible publication, and memories and recollections of those who have attended the event in previous years. Please direct correspondence to: Daniel R. Cupper, 4741 Spring Creek Rd., Harrisburg, PA 171TI; or telephone (717) 564-3366.

The National Museum of American Jewish History, Philadelphia, will mount a major exhibition entitled “A Worthy Use of Summer: Jewish Summer Camps, 1900-1950” in summer 1993. In an effort to fully explore this annual experience, museum researchers are seeking not only objects, but recollections of former campers and camp staff. Hailed in the early twentieth century as both an antidote to assimilation and the training ground for future American Jewish leaders, summer camping became a vehicle for the shaping and preservation of ethnic identity. “A Worthy Use of Summer” will explore the social and cultural meanings of Jewish camping and its relationship to the ongoing creation of American Jewish identity, with a special emphasis on the history of ethnic leisure behavior. Information, including anecdotes and camping lore, may be shared with: David Zipkin, Curator, National Museum of American Jewish History, 55 North fifth St., Philadelphia, PA 19106; or telephone (215) 923-5975 or 923-3811.

Statutes at Large of Pennsylvania, containing the laws of Pennsylvania for the years between 1700 and 1809, was a series published in Harrisburg from 1896 to 1915. The staff of the Chester County Archives – which uses the Statutes at Large of Pennsylvania to organize and interpret local and county records­ – is seeking various volumes to complete its set. Persons or organizations able to donate either selected volumes or entire sets are urged to write: Laurie Rofini, Chester County Archives, 117 West Gay St., West Chester, PA 19380; or telephone (215) 344-6760.

A research project has been recentJy undertaken to determine the reasons why, and the regions where, quilts and coverlets were used as backdrops in photographs dating from about 1865 to 1925. Also of interest is the use of various props included in old photographic portraits, such as musical instruments, guns and knives, furniture, books, and even animals. Persons able to share information about these practices should write: Vista Mahan, Rte. 4, Box 410, Chickamauga, GA 30707; or telephone (404) 539-2482.