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WashU History Resources

A guide to researching the long and complex history of Washington University in St. Louis (Missouri, USA).

Contact Info

contact special collections

Archive, Manuscript & Rare Book collections are accessed in Olin Library at the Special Collections reading room.

HOURS:  Monday - Friday 9:00-5:00 by appointment

LOCATION:  Olin Library, 1st floor, Danforth Campus

REQUESTS / APPOINTMENTS:  314-935-5495  spec@wumail.wustl.edu

*collections stored offsite require advance notice for retrieval and use

Questions about a specific topic? Contact:

University Archives: Sonya Rooney

Rare Books: Cassie Brand

Manuscript: Joel Minor 

Local History: Miranda Rectenwald

Dowd Illustration Research Archive: interim curator

Film & Media Archive: Andy Uhrich

150+ years...Where to start?

With more than 150 years of history, Wash. U. has a lot of stories.

This Research Guide offers some suggestions and tips for locating information for reunions, alumni events, compiling histories of a department or group, or other historical projects.  University Archives staff are happy to help answer questions, just ask!

A quick review of campus history might give you some ideas of how to start your research. Below are books to consider reviewing.

Planning on a reuion or other alumni event? Try the Reunions Tab
Looking for history about a specific alum? Try the Geneology Tab

Books about WashU History

all available through the WUSTL Library system:

Books about WashU Colleges, School & Departments

In addition to the published sources listed below, brief information files on other departments and schools are available at University Archives in the Washington University School and Department History Files (WUA00031) (Listed in alphabetical order by school, department, or college)