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About WashU Archives

This guide will help you navigate University Archives' more than 300 unique collections, most of which document the history of Washington University from 1853 to today. Other collections are related to 20th century St. Louis history.

Course Guides

Course guides are specific topics prepared in coorporation with faculty members. They are available to both students in specific classes, and the general public.

University Archives staff is happy to speak with any faculty member who would like to schedule a visit for their students to the Archives or Special Collection.

Support for Faculty

University Archives strongly encourages the use of the collections in support of teaching and learning.

Arrangements can be made for classes to meet in University Archives (at the West Campus Library) or in Special Collections (at Olin Library on the Danforth Campus).  The format is flexible: we encourage faculty or instructors to select the materials they would like to present in a classroom setting, or University Archives staff can assist in selecting and introducing materials.  We are happy to show materials for single class visits or to put them on internal reserve for consultation in our reading room (at University Archives) during normal hours of operation (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).