Special Collections

Special Collections is Closed to Researchers on Tuesday, August 11, 2026! Please complete the form below and schedule your appointment. Thank you!

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Search for something in Special Collections*

* Need search help? *Read this guide on tips for searching our collections in Primo.

The Department of Special Collections is an integral part of Schaffer Library. It includes the Union College Archives, special book collections, manuscripts, maps, photographs, sound recordings, ephemera, artifacts, and other primary source materials which document the College’s history, and support and extend its curriculum. While the students, faculty, and staff of Union College are our priority, all are welcome in our reading room.

We have many collections and files with potential for research projects and thesis topics. Here are some ideas to get you started!

Preserve Your Story!

What's happening in the department?

It's been a busy summer in Special Collections with several outside researchers coming to spend time with a variety of collections. In addition we had two Ruth Anne Evans Fellows working on researching black placemaking at Union College, directed by Professor Butler in Sociology. Librarian Meghan Willis has begun work to improve description and housing of the Voucher Collection, a sub-group of the Treasurer's Office Records, RG-04-019-003. Check out this article about our conservation efforts with the Vouchers!