Elizabeth Buffum Chace and family papers (Ms.89.12)

The Elizabeth Buffum Chace papers consist of a wide variety of materials relating primarily to Chace's personal life and her experience as a Quaker in Rhode Island questioning the morals and ethics of the religion in which she was reared. Chace relays her conflict with the practice of Quakers holding slaves. She also writes about her passion for prison reform, orphanage reform, and school reform. These papers represent an important resource for those researching Rhode Island Quaker Families, Social reformers, Anti-slavery movements, and Abolitionists.

Among the many unique items found in the collection are Elizabeth Buffum Chace’s diary and commonplace book (1832-1854); scrapbooks of family photographs; a leather album with locks of hair from various family members (1837-1871); a sketch and watercolor book; and an album (1891 May 11-November 15) containing thank you notes in response to her book "Anti-Slavery Reminiscences." These thank you notes are sewn into the book by hand. The collection also includes letters from leaders of various Rhode Island institutions (e.g. the Commissioner of Rhode Island State Farm, and the Rhode Island Commissioner of Public Schools) in response to her reform work.

Handwritten manuscripts by Mary C. Tolman (the youngest daughter of Elizabeth Buffum Chace) entitled “Quakers,” “Reminiscences,” and “Six Generations in a Quaker Family” also form part of the collection.