Skip to main content

Ralph Donnelly papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS2057

Collection Scope and Content

This Collection contains correspondence, photographs, newsletters, maps, meeting minutes, reports, and surveys. This material convers the years 1954-94 and documents the activities of the C & O Canal Association and relate specifically to the C & O Canal.

Dates

  • 1838-1994

Creator

Restrictions on Access

Some records may be restricted.

Restrictions on Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Biographical Note

Ralph Donnelly was an active member of the C & O Canal Association and one of the people who worked with Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas to transform the long abandoned C & O Canal into a national park.

Ralph Donnelly spent sixty-six years as a surveyor. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in civil engineering and a commission in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He surveyed road and parks and designed bridges. In World War II, Major Ralph Donnelly, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, served in England, Scotland, France, Italy, Germany, and Austria. Licensed after the war as a professional surveyor in two states, Ralph Donnelly joined J.B. Ferguson & Co. of Hagerstown, Maryland. He retired five decades later as a senior partner. He was president of the Washington County, MD Historical Society, president of the Maryland Society of Surveyors, and vice-chairman of the Maryland Board of Registration.

Extent

3 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection contains correspondence, photographs, newsletters, maps, meeting minutes, reports, and surveys. This material convers the years 1954-94 and documents the activities of the C & O Canal Association and relate specifically to the C & O Canal.

Collection Organization

Organized into five series: C & O Canal Association, Publications, Miscellaneous, Oversized maps, blueprints, and other architectural information, and ephemera.

Acquisition Information

[required]

Title
Guide to the Ralph Donnelly papers, 1838-1994
Status
Completed
Author
Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
Date
2006
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository

Contact:
2130 H Street NW
Washington 20052 United States of America