A prominent Catholic historian and Philadelphia native, Martin I.J. Griffin (1842-1911) founded the American Catholic Historical Society  in 1884 and served as its secretary. He also belonged to several other historical associations. Widely known as a church historian, Griffin authored many works dealing with Catholic history and was a frequent contributor to and editor of several magazines and periodicals, including The Irish Catholic Benevolent Union Journal, American Catholic Historical Researches and Griffin’s Journal.

He was the assistant editor of The Catholic Standard and Times, the official Philadelphia diocesan newspaper. Griffin also served as the historian of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Society of Philadelphia as well as secretary for the Irish Catholic Benevolent Union.

This collection contains mostly correspondence as well as a clippings file organized by subject dealing principally with Griffin’s research on the Catholic Church in America. Miscellaneous memorabilia, souvenirs, and other ephemera are also included.

65 Boxes, 26 linear ft.

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