Denison University Archives  

Materials in the University Archives have been used for a number of class or individual assignments, as well as for Summer Scholar projects.  The following departments/programs may find the archives especially useful for research:

• Black Studies
• Communication
• History
• English & Creative Writing
• Sociology/Anthropology
• First Year Studies

Most archival materials are not cataloged, and are located on the 7th floor, a closed access floor of the library.  Please contact the archivist, who will assist you in locating archival information.  Materials must be used in the Archives Reading Room, under supervison of the archivist.

The archives acquires material produced by the university, such as university histories; yearbooks and other publications; records of academic departments, administrative offices, and campus organizations; and posters, brochures, programs and other items related to campus life.

Material related to the university is acquired selectively.  This includes the papers of retired faculty and former presidents; biographical information about Denison alumni and personnel; and papers of individual alumni.

Records and papers are selected according to their administrative and/or research value.  Records come in many formats: paper, digital, photographic prints, sound recordings, objects, films, and more. 

The archives does not accept materials that are not related to Denison University history.

Explore the rich history of Denison University through historic documents, photographs, objects, audio-visual materials, and more.  The mission of the archives is to select, preserve and make accessible primary resources that document all facets of the institution.  Authentic, reliable primary resources can be valuable to student and faculty research, and are part of the educational and cultural history of the United States.  Just select one of the red tabs above to explore archival collections.

Denison University was founded by the American Baptists in 1831.  The archives holds the papers of first president, John Pratt, as well as subsequent past presidents.  Selected faculty and alumni papers, plus biographical information on well-known alumni, are held.  There is information on campus buildings, events of importance to Denison, academics, student organizations and publications, and other subjects related to the university's unique history.

  Denison insignia belt buckle

  baseball cap, early 20th century

  faculty member William Tight & family

  May Day celebration, 1920s

Monday - Wednesday  2-5 p.m.

Friday  2-5 p.m.

Other weekdays by appointment