Christopher Ludwick (1720-1801) was a German-born baker, with his place of business near the waterfront in colonial Philadelphia, who during the Revolution became the Director of Baking in Washington's army. After the war, being an able business man, he accumulated a considerable fortune. His public-spirited liberality was responsible for the establishment of the “Ludwick Institute,” formerly the Philadelphia Society for the Establishment and Support of Charity Schools, founded in 1799. His will bequeathed $13,000 to establish educational facilities for poor boys and girls. When, a century later, public education made this no longer necessary, the Institute's officers made the income of the legacy available to finance free lectures at this Academy. Since 1895, they have continued.

This collection contains letters, memoranda and accounts. In the Academy's scrapbooks are many examples of reports, programs and documents.