University Archives

The University Archives documents the administration and activities of Wesleyan University since its founding in 1831 and is part of Special Collections & Archives.

We have over 10,000 linear feet of records that cover a broad range of topics and are in a variety of formats including audio, videotapes and film, photographs, and now electronic records.

Our institutional records document the presidents, faculty, student groups, and departments of the university with materials that focus on how Wesleyan has grown and changed over time.

We also have collections of personal papers for those associated with Wesleyan, including the architect of the Lincoln Memorial, Henry Bacon.

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The Olla Podridas were Wesleyan's annual yearbooks. They began in 1862 and were published annually until 2009.

The coeducation collection includes notes, letters, records, clippings, photographs, and meeting transcripts from Wesleyan University's first phase of coeducation (1872-1909).

The Missionary Lyceum at Wesleyan University existed from 1834 until approximately 1878. The purpose of the Lyceum was to promote a missionary zeal among its members by way of debates, addresses, collection of artifacts and literature from foreign missions, and the exchange of correspondence with various missionaries around the world The Missionary Lyceum records include correspondence, financial records, minutes, reports, and membership rosters.

The Wesleyan Argus is published by the undergraduates of Wesleyan University. The Wesleyan Argus was founded in 1868 and is the country's oldest twice-weekly printed college newspaper. The Argus was named after the hundred-eyed, all-seeing giant from Greek mythology.

The Vertical subject files collection is comprised of materials about Wesleyan University. The materials, which include clippings, memos, fliers, programs, correspondence, and photographs, form the basis of this reference collection.

This collection documents the various staff and student curated exhibitions in both Olin and Science Libraries.