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The Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum, Phila­delphia, has recently acquired the political archives of Robert N. C. Nix, Jr., the first African American to serve on the Pennsylva­nia Supreme Court. To further expand its collections documenting and interpreting the lives and careers of leading African American political leaders and government officials, the museum is seeking documents, artifacts, and objects, including position papers, speeches, press releases, scrap books, campaign souvenirs, ephemera, memorabilia, awards, photographs, and transcripts and tape recordings of interviews. Also sought is information relating to the activities of African American political movements and organizations. These materials will enable researchers to analyze policy development, constitutional change, campaign strategies, coalition building, legislative history, and the impact of African Americans on Pennsylvania’s politics and legislation. Individuals and institutions able to assist in this ongoing program are asked to write: Eric Smith, Director of Collections, Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum, 701 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106; or telephone (215) 574-3135.

The Dobson Mills in the East Falls section of Philadelphia was founded by English immigrants John Dobson (1827-1911) and James Dobson (1830-1927) about 1855. The concern manufactured a diverse line of woolen products and at one time was not only the largest manufacturer in the city, but was also the largest producer of woolen goods in the United States. The Dobson Mills made blankets for the Union Army for use during the Civil War, and its carpets garnered gold medals at the Centennial Exhibi­tion of 1876. The twenty acre mill complex, which includes two dozen buildings and structures erected between 1858 and 1928, has been entered in the National Register of Historic Places. Additional information regarding the Dobson Mills and the Dobson family is being sought by: Mrs. George E. Cain, 1205 Morgan Ave., Drexel Hill, PA 19026; and Mrs. Kathryn C. Bennett, 1280 Wilson Dr., Cape May, N. J. 08204.

For a forthcoming article in Pennsylvania Heritage, biographi­cal and career information regarding artist John Willard Raught (1857-1931) is being collected for research. Born in Dunmore and a resident of Scranton, Raught was well known in northeastern Pennsylvania for his depictions of anthracite operations, such as collieries and coal breakers. He studied at the National Academy of Design and the Academie Julian in Paris; he was a member of the Salmagundi Club and the American Federation of Arts. Raught’s work is included in the collections of the Everhart Museum and the Lackawanna Historical Society, both in Scranton, and The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg. Of special interest are sketches, drawings, and paintings, as well as correspondence, documents, and photographs. Direct corre­spondence to: Richard Stanislaus, Curator, Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, 49 South Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701; or telephone (717) 822-1727.

George Adolph Newman (1875-1965) was a painter best known for his landscapes of southeastern Pennsylvania. Born in Philadelphia, he graduated from the Spring Garden Institute, where he was awarded silver and gold medals for his work. He later studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where his works attracted considerable attention and acclaim. In 1900, he traveled to Paris and studied under artist Frederick Rondel. Upon returning to the United States, he worked as a court room and news scene artist for the Philadelphia Ledger. His work included architectural renderings, book illustrations, and paintings in oil and watercolor. Newman, who lived in Lansdale for many years, regularly exhibited at museums and galleries in the greater Philadelphia area. Information about his life and work is being compiled by: Michael J. O’Malley III, Editor, Pennsylvania Heritage, P. O. Box 1026, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1026; telephone (717) 787-7522.