Special Collections & Archives at Wesleyan University
A place for news and information about rare books, manuscripts and university archives.
The new SC&A exhibition, “A Stellar Education: Astronomy at Wesleyan, 1831-1916,” is now open. It explores the study of astronomy at Wesleyan from the University’s founding in 1831 through the construction of Van Vleck Observatory in 1916, which celebrates its centennial this year. Items on display include atlases, textbooks, photographs, an original Henry Bacon Van … Read more
In October 1973, the Friends of the Davison Art Center held a Fellini Ball, a fundraising event that took place in the newly-completed Center for the Arts. The inspiration was the work of the great Italian director Federico Fellini, whose iconic works include La Strada, 8 1/2, and La Dolce Vita. Guests attended as their favorite … Read more
Pictured above is the earliest known photograph of the Wesleyan campus, a view of South College taken in 1865. In front is what is believed to be part of the graduation ceremonies held 150 years ago for the Class of 1865. Our best wishes to the Class of 2015!
As you may be aware by now, the CFA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this academic year. We worked with Pamela Tatge, Andy Chatfield, and John Elmore to provide a wide range of images from the SC&A collections that will be used to mark the occasion. Forty will be displayed in an online exhibition, Celebrating … Read more
The Great Blizzard of 1888 is legendary throughout New England, and it remains the benchmark by which all subsequent storms have been measured, including the one that will probably be known as the Blizzard of 2013. Paralyzing the East Coast from the Canadian Maritime Provinces to the Chesapeake Bay from March 11 to 14, the … Read more
New Student Arrival Day was today and I joined fellow SC&A staff members Rebecca McCallum (shown above) and Linda Hurteau to help out as part of the 12th annual WesHAUL. As Suzy Taraba points out, it shows that the requirement in my job description that I’m able lift 40-pound boxes doesn’t only apply to archival … Read more
Celebrate EARTH DAY with SC&A Wednesday April 22, 2009 3:00-5:00pm Don’t miss the opportunity to come to Olin Library and step into Special Collections & Archives between 3:00-5:00pm on Wednesday April 22 to see some of our materials selected specifically for our Earth Day exhibit. Our newly acquired atlas “EARTH” will be on display. Sure, … Read more
Please join us for a celebration of writer William Manchester’s career on Thursday, February 5 at 7pm in the Smith Reading Room in Olin Library. The event, titled “William Manchester: Portrait of a Writer,” will kick off with a talk by Leith Johnson, Project Archivist, and Jenny Miglus, Archives Assistant. They will discuss Manchester’s life … Read more
Congratulations to the class of 2008! The upcoming weekend will be a celebration of our newest graduates, as well as a gathering time for alumni of all ages. There will be two WESeminars–presentations open to all students, alumni, parents, and visitors–related to Wesleyan University history. One is “A History of Wesleyan Presidents,” a look back … Read more
Our new president, Michael Roth, will be inaugurated on November 2. The inauguration is being combined with Homecoming/Family Weekend, and there will be a lot to do and see on campus. Special Collections & Archives is having an open house on Saturday, November 3 from noon to 4pm. Stop in and visit the beautiful Davison … Read more
