MG 118 - Harder, Warren J. Collection

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Scope and Content

Collection consists of correspondence, news clips, photographs, hand-written notes and other research materials related to the production of a Lectureslide presentation, "Mission to Shenandoah," which is the story of the infamous Molly (Mollie) Maguires, a group of Irish coal miners who became dissatisfied with miserable working conditions and wages. They threatened, beat, and sometimes murdered their mine bosses. Includes information about James McParland, an undercover detective for the Pinkerton Agency who posed as a member of the Molly Maguires. It was through his investigative work that many Mollies were imprisoned and hung for their crimes. The details of the arrests, trials and conviction of these men are told in Harder's script. Also includes two copies of The Philadelphia Times of June 22, 1877 with the detailed account of the hangings.

Background

Warren J. Harder, b. 1905, d. 1968, was a life-long resident of Harrisburg and an active member of the Historical Society of Dauphin County. He was a commercial photographer and local historian.

Date(s): 1876-1977

Extent: 2 boxes, 19 folders