About the Archives & Special Collections Library

How to use the archives - a tutorial

located in the lower level of the Haas Library

Browsable lists of our book and audio holdings

* CT Room materials
* rare book holdings
* facsimile holdings
* uncataloged WCSU theses
* spoken word materials
* complete list of holdings

Forms and Policies

* Collections Policy
* Records Transfer Form
* Deed of Gift Form

To Request Copies of Materials

Copies may be made of materials upon request. Click here for details.

Donating Materials

The archives welcomes donations of archival materials Click here for details.

WCSU History Slideshow


F rom its founding as the Danbury Normal School to its present status as a member of the Connecticut State University System, Western Connecticut State University has shaped and has been shaped by the surrounding community. It is the duality of this history that is essential to the mission of WCSU's Archives and Special Collections .


The Archive is the final repository for the historical records of Western Connecticut State University and is a significant repository for collections related to local history. The Archives includes WCSU administrative records, faculty papers, university publications, visual materials, and other media created by the University. It also includes non-WCSU affiliated personal papers, local government and organizational records, visual materials, maps, journals and other media that document the history of this region. The archival holdings amount to approximately 500 linear feet. [Click here for a list of collections]

The Special Collections Library's holdings include: monographs, and audio-visual materials that pertain to the history of Connecticut and Danbury to supplement primary source materials in the Archives; spoken word, opera and other classical music phonograph recordings; a portion of the original monograph holdings of the Danbury Normal School's library; monographs authored/created by WCSU faculty, students and alumni; rare/antique books and other objects donated to the Haas Library or Special Collections that are deemed to be 1) of significant artifactual value and 2) to be unique and essential to support the research needs of the University and the mission of the Archive; and library holdings of significant value to warrant special treatment. There are approximately 1900 cataloged titles currently held in the Special Collections Library that range in publication date from 1626 to the present. There are three main groups of book materials: Connecticut Room, Rare Books and Facsimiles.


Visiting the Archives

Use of the WCSU Archives & Special Collections is open to the WCSU community and serious researchers by appointment only.
Please contact the University Archivist, Brian Stevens [(203)-837-8992] for an appointment.
Regular hours: 8AM-2:30PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday; and 8AM-4PM Wednesday (addition times available by arrangement with the archivist)

WCSU Archives Brochure Archives & Spec. Coll. Brochure


Recent additions to Special Collections

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