Collections : [Connecticut Museum of Culture and History]

This collection consists of the unpublished manuscript for a history of the Episcopal parish in Bristol, Connecticut, during the colonial period, accompanied by several drafts, galleys, proofs, research notes, and correspondence written or compiled by James Shepard. The unpublished manuscript, with numerous edits and annotations, is in a binder. The drafts are arranged in page number or book number order. The correspondence, relating to his research or the publication of the book, is arranged chronologically and contains both incoming and outgoing letters.

The collection of more than 360 items includes the account book of George S. Smith; individual bills and receipts; correspondence; legal papers; and other material formerly in the possession of George S. Brainerd (GSB).

The collection came with no discernable organization. The diaries were arranged first, chronologically. William Thomas’ incoming correspondence was arranged with family letters first, followed by general correspondence. If there was incoming correspondence to the family, it was filed after the letters to their father. Since Thomas was a minister, his church-related papers follow the correspondence. Military and financial records complete the collection.

The accession record for this collection indicates that Newton C. Brainard donated the collection in 1980. However, Brainard died in 1964. That accession record also indicates the gift consisted of three boxes. Only two boxes were found under that number.