Manuscript Division Ara Mesrobian Papers

Ara Mesrobian Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS86360

Scope and Content Note

The papers of Ara Mesrobian (1924-2019) span the years 1876-2011, with the bulk of the material dating from 1941 to 1994. The collection documents Mesrobian’s deep interest in rail travel and provides insight into mid-twentieth century rail travel, the operations of railway historical societies, and railfan subculture in the United States.

The collection is primarily comprised of Mesrobian’s correspondence files from 1950 to 2011 and documents travel logistics, railway historical society events and activities, descriptions of trains, railways, and other transportation, and personal and business matters. The correspondence is filed in reverse chronological order within the folders. There is no correspondence from 1962. Mesrobian’s collections of railroad dining car menus, railroad, trolley, and streetcar tickets and ticket books, and other related ephemera also make up a significant portion of the collection. These materials are primarily from the United States and Canada, with a limited amount from Mesrobian’s European and Asian travels. There is also a significant amount of material related to railway historical society meetings and fan trips, including memorabilia associated with the last streetcar to travel over the original electric streetcar system in Washington, D.C. in 1962.

Dates

Creation: 1876-2011
Creation: Majority of material found within 1941-1994

Language of Materials

Collection material in English

Access and Restrictions

The papers of Ara Mesrobian are open to research. Many collections are stored off-site and advance notice is needed to retrieve these items for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Manuscript Reading Room prior to visiting.

Copyright Status

The status of copyright in the unpublished writings of the Ara Mesrobian Papers is governed by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S.C.).

Biographical Note

Ara Mesrobian was born August 7, 1924, in Washington, D.C. He attended Catholic University, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering in 1950 after serving in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He worked for the National Bureau of Standards for thirty years. In his free time, Mesrobian pursued his passion for photography and rail transportation, traveling widely to ride, photograph, and film trains. He was a member of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) for seventy years and was a founding member of the Potomac Chapter of the NRHS. He also participated in the Tractioneers, a Washington, D.C.-based organization devoted to trolleys and light-rail transportation. Mesrobian died June 18, 2019, in Chevy Chase, Md.

Extent

2,800 items
8 containers
1 oversize
5 linear feet

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Additional Description

Abstract

Photographer and railroad enthusiast (railfan). Correspondence, railroad and trolley tickets and ticket books, railroad dining car menus, ephemera, and other material documenting mid-twentieth century rail travel, the operations of railway historical societies, and railfan subculture in the United States.

Arrangement of the Collection

This collection is arranged alphabetically by topic or material type.

Catalog Record

https://lccn.loc.gov/mm2020086360

Acquisition Information

The papers of Ara Mesrobian were given to the Library of Congress in 2020 by Mesrobian's niece, Caroline Hickman. They were transferred to the Manuscript Division by the Prints and Photographs Division in 2020.

Related Material

The Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress holds the Ara Mesrobian Railroad Photography Collection (see https://lccn.loc.gov/2020631257).

Transfers

Theater programs have been transferred to the Music Division where they are identified as part of the Ara Mesrobian Papers. Patrons are encouraged to contact the Music Division in advance of a research visit.