Delaware Valley Archivists Group

 In an effort to expand the National Bankruptcy Archives' holdings in rare material predating the establishment of the nation's first bankruptcy law in 1898, the Archives recently acquired a selection of 18th and 19th century pamphlet and manuscript materials.  These materials, dating back as far back as 1789, document debt culture in this pre-bankruptcy era, including the effort to abolish a mainstay of punishment for debt in this period: debtor prisons.Some of this collection is currently on display in the reference area of the Biddle Law Library.  However, if you can't make it to the onsite exhibit (or, if you would like to whet your appetite), below are images of some of our featured items.