Special Collections Research Center

Three individuals sit in front of card catalogs during a research consultation
Special Collections

Special Collections

Location: First floor of Swem Library (Map)
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Email: spcoll@wm.edu
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Today's Hours: Closed

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Spotlight

An airport terminal with passengers seated and walking.

Manuscripts

Ivy Li '23 Photograph, Documenting Life During COVID-19

This collection of personal reflections and experiences during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic includes this photo taken on March 21st at Los Angeles International Airport. "Although it was midnight, the airport was full of people waiting to board on planes. Most of them were going to return to their home countries."

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Surgical kit

Manuscripts

Jefferson H. Clark Collection

The Jefferson H. Clark collection contains a variety of materials from Clark’s service in World War I, including photographs, documents, Clark’s helmet, and this surgical kit. 

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Headshot of Satoshi Ito

Oral Histories

Satoshi Ito Oral History Interview

Professor Ito shares his experience in a Relocation Center in Arkansas during World War II, the evolution of W&M's Department of Sociology, and his volunteer efforts with the Anti-Racism Commission, Diocese of Southern Virginia, the New Kent County Democratic Committee, and the Human Rights Committee of Eastern State Hospital. 

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The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) at Swem Library connects students, faculty, and researchers with rare and unique materials, including: 

  • original manuscripts 
  • photographs 
  • rare books 
  • maps 
  • audiovisual media 
  • and more 

Special Collections is open to all researchers for onsite research, but with limited capacity in our reading room. We strongly encourage requesting an appointment to ensure that we will be able to accommodate your visit. We may need to limit your appointment to two hours depending on demand. Please email us at spcoll@wm.edu with requests for appointments, research consultations, and any other questions.

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Highlights from the Archives

An Acquired Taste

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SCRC Research Travel Grants Program Returns for 2025-2026

The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) of William & Mary Libraries is pleased to announce that it will award travel grants to faculty members, graduate students, and/or independent researchers to support research use of its collections. Writers, creative and performing artists, filmmakers, and journalists are welcome to apply.

 

Reading Tea Leaves at Special Collections

Written by Dan Du, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina - Charlotte (Special Collections Research Center travel grant recipient, 2023-2024)

Current Exhibit

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Illustration of Santa Claus holding a doll in front of a decorated fireplace

A Visit from St. Nicholas

Connections to Colonial Christmas Literature and Traditions

On display: November 24, 2025 - January 2, 2026

Location: Williamsburg Regional Library Gallery at Stryker Center (412 N Boundary St, Williamsburg VA 23185)

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is one of the most popular Christmas poems now, but it built upon traditions of published songs and poetry written by early Americans. This winter, learn about 18th and 19th-century Christmas traditions, including decorations, cooking, clothing, and Santa Claus!