Collections

As part of William & Mary Libraries, the Special Collections Research Center at Swem Library takes pride in supporting and enhancing teaching and research and in fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. Over the years, many generous donors have enabled us to collect and preserve the diverse array of rare and unique materials so we can continue to fulfill our mission. 

  • Manuscripts
    Over 3,600 collections of unpublished documents of general cultural importance or interest  
  • Rare Books
    More than 50,000 volumes of published works for which few survive, few copies were made, or the physical book’s history or owner make it significant 
  • University Archives
    Close to 1,000 collections comprising the official and unofficial records of William & Mary 

We strive to create a diverse collection for learning and research that belongs to everyone through building meaningful partnerships with campus and community groups based on mutual trust, understanding, and giving. 

Featured Collections

  • 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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  • 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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  • Rare Books

    Latinx Zines

    Special Collections has an ever-growing collection of self-published books, or zines, including numerous zines made by Latinx authors and creators. 

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  • Manuscripts

    Nanny C. Waller Diary

    The diary, 1849-1851, of Nanny C. Waller, Williamsburg, Virginia which includes religious writings, discussion of a cholera epidemic, and of her family.

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  • 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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  • University Archives

    The Colonial Echo

    William & Mary's student yearbook, published since 1899. 

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  • University Archives

    The Niche

    Part of the Department of Biology Records, The Niche newsletter began in March 1989 and sought to "foster cooperation and communication among the faculty and students of the William & Mary Department of Biology." Features include current research projects, biology-related crossword puzzles, and the kinds of bugs present in Millington Hall. 

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  • University Archives

    W&M Student Organizations

    Special Collections houses records from numerous William & Mary student organizations. This flyer from the 2013 LGBTIQ Pride Festival is one example of the wide variety of materials in the Student Organizations Collection.

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  • Manuscripts

    W. H. Wilkinson Records, 1919-1939

    San Francisco-based lawyer W. H. Wilkinson corresponded with state and federal agencies, employers, banks, and clients regarding the legal status, travel regulations, and immigration applications of Chinese citizens.

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