This collection of finding aids describe items in both the Virginia B. Smith Memorial Manuscript Collection and the College Archives. The Virginia B. Smith Memorial Manuscript Collection is named after the eighth president of Vassar College, whose vision for the library included the addition of personal papers of a number of key literary figures. The holdings range from medieval illuminated manuscripts to modern manuscripts, and include over 500 collections of Vassar College graduates, faculty, and others affiliated with the college. The Vassar College Archives documents the history of the College from its founding in 1861 to the present. It includes publications, administrative records, meeting minutes, architectural drawings, photograph and audiovisual collections, subject files, artifacts, and other materials. For more information please visit the Archives & Special Collections Library website here: https://library.vassar.edu/specialcollections/
Here you will find digitized archival collections, oral histories, and more. We are continually expanding the collections and improving access. You may find additional digital resources that reside outside the digital library here, and a selection of Online Exhibitions here.
Collections Overview
The Archives & Special Collections Library is part of the Vassar College Libraries system. It holds the rare book, manuscript, and archival collections of the college. It collects, preserves, and makes available rare and unique collections, and also engages in teaching and outreach activities. This collection of finding aids describe items in both the Virginia B. Smith Memorial Manuscript Collection and the College Archives.
The Vassar College herbarium holds over 8,000 specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, and algae. Holdings are primarily from northeastern North America, and include collections made by several notable 19th century botanists. To learn more about this project visit the website here.
Vassar College's institutional repository reflects the research and scholarly output of the Vassar College community. It provides access to senior theses, peer reviewed open access articles, and projects from a wide range of disciplines.