Through our digital collections, Vassar College Libraries aim to provide access to high-quality digital content generated by the Libraries for research and study, as open as possible; support the teaching, learning, and research needs of the College; preserve at-risk or fragile physical collections through digitization, or at-risk born-digital collections through reformatting; expose hidden, less-used physical collections through access to digital surrogates; and foster experimental, cutting-edge, and innovative projects through technology. Learn More
Half-length, oval, framed picture of Matthew Vassar as a young man wearing a white, ruffled shirt and dark suit.
Half-length, oval, framed picture of Matthew Vassar as a young man wearing a white, ruffled shirt and dark suit.
Half-length picture of Matthew Vassar as an older man wearing glasses, dark tie, white shirt and dark suit. He is seated, holding a curved-top cane in his left hand.
Bust of Matthew Vassar.
Full-length picture of Matthew Vassar wearing glasses, black tie, white shirt and dark suit. He is standing, looking at a pocket watch in front of a balustrade and pillar.
Matthew Vassar, founder of Vassar College, was born in the County of Norfolk, England, emigrated with his parents and other family members to Dutchess County, N.Y., in 1796. Vassar College was chartered in 1861 and opened its doors to students in 1865. It was not the first venture in higher
Full-length picture of Matthew Vassar wearing glasses, dark tie, white shirt and dark suit. He is standing, his left hand resting on a box labeled """"Vassar College funds"""" and his right hand holding a key. The box is on a cloth covered table on the right. A pillar and drape with tassel is on the
Full-length picture of Matthew Vassar as an older man wearing glasses, black tie, white shirt and black suit. He is standing, holding a top hat in his left hand and curved-top cane in his right hand. His dog, Tip, and potted greenery are in the foreground. His home, Springside, and trees are in the
Full-length, framed picture of Matthew Vassar as an older man wearing glasses, black tie, white shirt and black suit. He is standing, holding a top hat and gloves in his left hand and curved-top cane in his right hand. His dog, Tip, and potted greenery are in the foreground. His home, Springside
Head and shoulders picture of Matthew Vassar wearing a black tie, white shirt and dark suit.
Head and shoulders picture of Matthew Vassar wearing a black tie, white shirt and dark suit.
Half-length picture of Matthew Vassar wearing a black tie, ruffled shirt and dark suit. The picture is of a miniature portrait attributed to Thomas Seir Cummings.
Picture of miniature half-length portrait of Matthew Vassar wearing a black tie, ruffled shirt and dark suit. The portrait is on ivory on the right of a hinged, 4"""" x 4 1/2"""" red morocco case. """"Matthew Vassar"""" is on the left of the case. The portrait is attributed to Thomas Seir Cummings.
Half-length picture of Matthew Vassar wearing glasses, top hat, striped tie, white shirt and dark suit with black collar. He is seated, holding a cane in his gloved, right hand and holding a glove in his left hand. His left hand is inserted into the front of his suit.
Three-quarter length, oval, framed picture of Matthew Vassar wearing glasses, top hat, black tie, white shirt and dark suit with black collar. He is standing, holding a curved-top cane in his right hand. His left hand is in his pants' pocket.
Half-length picture of Matthew Vassar wearing glasses, top hat, striped tie, white shirt and dark suit with black collar. He is seated, holding a cane in his gloved, right hand and holding a glove in his left hand. His left hand is inserted into the front of his suit. Matted photograph with Matthew
Three-quarter length, framed picture of Matthew Vassar as a mature man wearing a striped tie, white shirt, dark jacket and light pants. He is seated, holding gloves and white-handled cane.
Three-quarter length, oval, framed picture of Matthew Vassar wearing a black tie, white shirt and black suit. He is seated, holding eyeglasses in his right hand and resting his left arm on the chair.
Half-length picture of Matthew Vassar as an elderly man wearing glasses, black tie, white shirt, and dark suit with black collar.
Three-quarter length picture of Matthew Vassar as an elderly man wearing glasses, black tie, white shirt and black suit. He is seated, resting his right arm on the chair and his left hand on his left thigh.
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.