Special Collections

Covering a wide variety of subjects, Special Collections holds rare books, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, pamphlets, architectural drawings, and other primary source materials spanning from the 16th century to the present day. Areas of particular strength include: the Spanish Civil War, Panama Canal history, dance and performing arts, modern British radicalism, and the social, political and cultural history of Long Island.

Among the notable special collections at Adelphi are those pertaining to the English journalist and politician William Cobbett (1763-1835); the radical writer, reformer, and satirist William Hone (1780-1842); the pioneering dancer and choreographer Ruth St. Denis (1879-1968); bestselling author Alice Hoffman; cartoonists Bill and Bunny Hoest; and three-term New York Lieutenant Governor Timothy L. Woodruff (1858-1913).

To search Adelphi Special Collections please use the Rare Book Holdings and/or the Archives and Manuscript Holdings options above.

Adelphi University Archives

The Adelphi University Archives collects, holds, preserves, and makes accessible the historical records of Adelphi University documenting the history of the University, its students, faculty, and administration.

Digital Collections

Our Digital Collections contain digitized and born-digital photographs, yearbooks, newspapers, manuscripts, and other materials held in Archives and Special Collections.

Adelphi University Art Collection

The Adelphi University Art Collection contains a diverse representation of artworks ranging from 17th century African implements to contemporary prints. The artistic mediums represented include painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and photography.

Accessing Materials

Adelphi University Archives and Special Collections is open to members of the Adelphi University Community, visiting researchers and the public. All collections are non-circulating and are retrieved upon request to be consulted on-site in our Reading Room, located on level 5S of Swirbul Library.

To request materials, visit the Adelphi University Archives and Special Collections Reading Room during open hours, or contact us at uasc@adelphi.edu or (516) 877-3588 to schedule an appointment.