University of Dayton

University Archives

The University's archives chronicle its development into a top Catholic and Marianist institution of higher learning. Materials date from 1850, when St. Mary’s Institute was founded as a grammar school for boys, to the present. The archives include records created by University offices, departments, and centers; records of student organizations; University publications; faculty and alumni papers; student theses and dissertations; and photographs and audiovisual recordings. 
 
Located on the second floor of Albert Emanuel Hall, the University Archives is open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:30-12:00 and 1:00 to 4:30. Researchers may use materials in the reading room.

Special Collections

Special collections in the University Libraries are housed with the Rare Books department and the University Archives. The eclectic Rare Book Collection includes manuscripts and early and limited edition books. A growing U.S. Catholic Collection documents the American Catholic experience. Additional special collections highlight sports, the arts, politics, and the pursuits of UD alumni. These collections contain rare prints, drawings, maps, photographs, art objects, and audiovisual recordings.

Rare Books and Special Collections is open by appointment. To schedule an appointment, email Dr. Nicoletta Hary, Curator of Rare Books and Special Collections, or reach her by phone at 937-229-4262.

The U.S. Catholic Collection is open Monday-Friday from 11:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon. It is also open by appointment. To schedule an appointment, ask at the Circulation Desk in Roesch Library or contact Dr. Nicoletta Hary, Curator of Rare Books and Special Collections, at 937-229-4262.

University Archives and Special Collections is open Monday-Friday from 8:30-12:00 and 1:00-4:30. It is located at 211 Albert Emanuel Hall. For inquiries or to schedule a research appointment, email the University Archives or call 937-229-4256.

US Catholic Collection

The U.S. Catholic Collection preserves records of the Catholic Church and Catholic life in the United States and supports the University’s new doctoral program in Religious Studies focusing on the U.S. Catholic experience. This newly established collection shows the commitment of the University of Dayton to the history and heritage of the Catholic Church in the United States and its intellectual and popular traditions. The collection is located on the 3rd floor of Roesch Library.

The collection is comprehensive and includes retrospective and contemporary works in different languages, formats, and media, as well as objects used by American Catholics in their religious practice. The collection is strong on official church documents, theology, religious orders active in the United States, school textbooks, biographies, and books and serials used or published by various Catholic immigrant groups.

For information about the Ph.D. in Theology program, contact by email the Department of Religious Studies or call 937-229-4321.

The U.S. Catholic Collection is open Monday-Friday from 11:00-4:00 and by appointment. To schedule an appointment, ask at the Circulation Desk in Roesch Library or contact Nicoletta Hary, Ph.D., Curator of Rare Books and Special Collections, at 937-229-4262 (tel.) or 937-229-4590 (fax).

For information about archival materials in the collection, please contact Colleen Mahoney, Archivist for the U.S. Catholic Collection, at 937-229-1347.

Digital Collections

Digital@UDayton, our online image repository, holds 7,500 digital images representing the history, social life, and special collections of the University of Dayton. Digital@UDayton connects you to our University Photograph Collection, Daytonian yearbooks, Marianist art, World Nativities, and more unique image collections. Many of our multi-dimensional objects can be viewed from all angles using the View360 feature.