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Maryville College Archives

IMPORTANT UPDATE

The Maryville College Archives will be closed all summer for renovation!

We will be closed to research appointments and donations of items beginning Friday, May 2, 2025 until classes return in the fall of 2025. During this time, please take advantage of our digital collections for your research needs. The Archivist will be available via email if you have any questions, but please note that she will only have access to our digital collections to answer your question as our physical collections will be in storage.

 If you have any questions, please contact the Archivist at amy.lundell@maryvillecollege.edu.

Our Mission

The Maryville College Archives supports the educational mission of Maryville College through collecting, preserving, describing, and making available for research material related to the history and activities of Maryville College. We welcome Maryville College students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the public interested in the history of Maryville College to conduct research in our collections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an Archive?

An archive contains "the permanently valuable records—such as letters, reports, accounts, minute books, draft and final manuscripts, and photographs—of people, businesses, and government. These records are kept because they have continuing value to the creating agency and to other potential users. They are the documentary evidence of past events. They are the facts we use to interpret and understand history." (Society of American Archivists)

Why are Archives Important?

  • Contain one-of-a-kind primary source material

  • Documentation of society (people, places, organizations, institutions, governments)

  • Preserve our history

    o "Archives are witnesses to the past. They provide evidence, explanation, and justification both for past actions and current decisions" (International Council on Archives)

What's the Difference Between Libraries and Archives?

Library Archives
Published Secondary Sources Unpublished Primary Sources
Numerous Copies One-of-a-Kind
Circulating (available for check-out) Non-Circulating (only used on-site)
Generally Independent Research Generally Mediated Research (assistance from Archivist)

How Do I Know If the Archives Can Help Me with My Project/Paper/Senior Study?

Ask the Archivist! We have a wide variety of records available for research covering topics applicable to almost every academic division at Maryville College. You can contact the Archivist via email or phone with any research question.