Welcome to Special Collections

UMW Libraries' Special Collections includes both the rare books collection and the University archives. Collected in the archives is the non-current written and photographic history of the University of Mary Washington. This collection serves as the repository for archival and historical materials for all offices, departments, and divisions of the University. Issues of the University’s student newspaper, the Bullet (1922-present), and its yearbook, the Battlefield (1913-present), as well as departmental honors papers, are located in Special Collections .

The rare books collection includes over 1500 volumes of works from various scholarly fields. There are first editions from literary figures such as James Joyce, Willa Cather, Ellen Glasgow, John Dos Passos, and William B. Yeats, as well as treaties on travel, religion, art and history.

Special Collections is located on the second floor of Simpson Library in Room 217, immediately in front of the central staircase. Items may be used in that room only. Special Collections is open during the Fall and Spring semesters on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM and by appointment at 540-654-1752. During the summer, Special Collections is open by appointment only. Please call in advance, so we can pull materials ahead for your research topic and to confirm your appointment time.