Special Collections
104 Paterno Library
814.865.7931
UL-spcolref@lists.psu.edu
The Penn State University Archives is a collecting unit within the Eberly Family Special Collections Library.
The University Archives is dedicated to documenting the history of Penn State. Our collections include:
Formats in our collections include paper records, digital records, books, film, video, audio recordings, photographs, architectural plans, maps, scrapbooks and artifacts.
Instructions for searching our materials can be found here.
If you have not used a special collections library before, please note that we are open for fewer hours than some other parts of the library, and that you must use our materials in our reading room. For more information, please visit our brief online tutorial and tour.
Vertical Files
Vertical files are compiled on an ongoing basis by University Archives staff, and contain various materials relating to persons, places, organizations, and topical subjects related to Penn State history.
Biographical Vertical Files document the history of individuals.
Click here for a list of people featured in our biographical vertical files.
General Vertical Files explore general topics.
Click below for lists of the specific files included under the larger subject areas. (For example, football is under Athletics).
Academics
Administration
Athletics
Commonwealth Education System
Events
Faculty & Staff
Physical Plant
Research
Students
Town & Environs
Transportation & Communication
Photographic Vertical Files contain, you guessed it, photographs of their subjects.
Click below for lists of the specific files included under the larger subject areas.
Academics
Administration
Arts
Athletics
Commonwealth Education System
Events
Physical Plant
Students
Town and Environs
Transportation & Communication
Presidents
The following publications have been digitized:
Other publications in our library, many of which are indexed in a card catalog by personal name and by subject:
The Penn State University Archives houses hundreds of collections. The following small selection is meant to give you an idea of the breadth of coverage of those collections consisting of official university records.
Pennsylvania State University, Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs records, 1968-2006 (bulk 1991-2006)
Partially restricted access.
This collection documents the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the Pennsylvania State University primarily with regard to faculty assessments, grievances, and tenure issues as well as relations with external organizations. Materials include topically arranged correspondence with supporting materials, academic guidelines, policies and reports.
Pennsylvania State University, Office of Physical Plant records, 1889-2010 (bulk 1970-2008)
Non-public university records are restricted for 20 years after the date of creation.
The bulk of this collection consists of construction project files for renovations, new buildings, infrastructure, and utilities for all Penn State campuses. Project files include architectural plans and blueprints, maps, detailed specifications, proposals, bids, contract amendments, construction records, invoices, and financial records.
Pennsylvania State University, Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council Records, 1922-2001
This collection is open for use only by verified members of the organization and/or researchers with written permission of the organization.
The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council (IFC) was founded as a means to unite and advance the common purposes of the twenty-three sororities and fifty fraternities on Pennsylvania State University's campus.This collection contains membership lists, committee agendas, financial reports, rush reports, academic reports, awards, and other documentation regarding the council’s functions and events including philanthropic endeavors.
The Penn State University Archives houses hundreds of collections. The following small selection is meant to give you an idea of the breadth of coverage of those collections consisting of personal papers.
Joseph V. Paterno papers
The papers of former Penn State head football coach Joseph V.Paterno include awards, fund raising projects, appearances, meetings, appointment books, artifacts, photographs, publications, letters, articles, clippings, speeches, 17 audio recordings, and 44 moving image recordings.
Student activism papers: collected by Eric A. Walker, 1963-1986. (bulk 1968-1970)
Walker was the president of Penn State from 1956-1970. He collected these materials in 1986 while writing a manuscript on the student disturbances that occurred while he was president. Information covers the administration's reaction to protests, demands, and demonstrations. Types of materials include court documents, correspondence, news clippings, personal file notes, manuscript drafts, and manuscript notes.
Mary L. Ilgen papers, 1948-circa 1997
Mary Ilgen was one of the first women to graduate from Penn State University with a degree in aeronautical engineering. This collection includes photographs, speeches, artifacts, papers, programs, booklets, lab reports, notebooks, awards, Tau Beta Pi materials, and publications.
A research guide focused on Penn State sports history is in the works. Check back soon!
Penn State Libraries Photo Archive
University Park Campus History
Penn State History and Traditions
This website includes: an historical timeline, a copy of The Illustrated History of Penn State by Michael Bezilla, and information on the Alma Mater, campus landmarks, class gifts, legislation creating PSU, the Nittany Lion, Penn State oral histories, and Penn State Presidents.
