Details from the Book of Kells

Special Collections & Archives

The Department of Special Collections and the University Archives at the O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library provide access to a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, and archival material from throughout the history of the University St. Thomas.

Holdings for the Department of Special Collections include more than 35,000 volumes, 2,400 cubic feet of manuscripts and archival records, photographs, films, architectural drawings, and ephemera.

The department welcomes researchers from the University of St. Thomas community as well as members of the public.

Walk-ins are welcome during open hours; researchers are encouraged to make an appointment to consult specific materials.

Three Homecoming pins from 1950, 1951, and 1968

University Archives

The University Archive collections document the history of the University of St. Thomas, the Saint Paul Seminary and other affiliated institutions. Explore our numerous digital resources.

University Archives
A detail from the Book of Kells

Rare Books and Manuscripts

The Department of Special Collections holds more than 35,000 volumes in its Rare Books collection on a diverse variety of subjects, with materials dating from the 15th century to the present.

Rare Books and Manuscripts