Materials related to the Rochester Athenaeum and its operations. The Athenaeum was founded in 1829 as an educational institute and is an early predecessor of the Rochester Institute of Technology. The collection contains excerpts from local newspapers, charter documents for the organization, member lists, a copy of Charles Perkins's address to the Athenaeum, and information on Reynolds Arcade. Also included is a subscription book for the organization.

Documents related to the Franklin Institute in Rochester, N.Y. The Institute existed from 1826-1833 and was an early predecessor of the Rochester Institute of Technology. The collection includes newspaper excerpts and a membership list.