Welcome to Special Collections & Archives

Special Collections & Archives is the home of the University’s archives, local history, manuscript and rare book collections, and is open to the Wesleyan community and the public. Our department holds and provides access to 10,000 linear feet of archival materials and over 45,000 rare books.

But there’s more to Special Collections & Archives than just our collections! 

  • We answer hundreds of reference questions every year
  • We offer class instruction and Personal Research Sessions for Wesleyan faculty and students
  • We host events, open houses, and exhibitions during Homecoming/Family Weekend, Reunion/Commencement, and throughout the year

Today's Hours

Library/SCA Blog

Wesleyan: In Sickness and in Health

A new exhibit, Wesleyan: In Sickness and in Health, is on display in Olin Library. “Why this topic?” you say, “Haven’t we heard enough about disease lately?”  Good point.  We are sick of hearing about people getting sick.

Ephemera in Special Collections & Archives: Wedding Shawl Relic

No one who is alive today knew Ruth Peck Fisk (1795-1885), the wife of Wesleyan’s founding president, Willbur Fisk (1792-1839).  Her portrait resides in the Middlesex County Historical Society.  Her grave is in Wesleyan’s campus cemetery on Foss Hill. 
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