Special Collections consists of four distinct parts which include the Rare Books, Museum, University Archives, and Manuscript Collections. The Rare Books Collections contain approximately 70,000 volumes, which range from medieval documents to first editions of twentieth century authors. The Manuscript Collection, also known as the American Catholic History Collection, collects personal papers and institutional records which document the heritage and history of the American Catholic people.

Featured Collections

  • Nun with three small children during World War One

    Children of the Front

    Images from the National Catholic Welfare Conference/United States Conference of Catholic Bishops records on activities conducted to assist children in Europe during the Second World War.

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  • Religious service in a partially destroyed building during World War One

    Wartime Religious Services

    Images from the National Catholic Welfare Conference/United States Conference of Catholic Bishops records on religious activities conducted in Europe during the First World War.

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  • Poster Celebrating Women War Workers, 1918

    American Catholics in the World War

    The Archivist’s Nook: American Catholics and the First World War, a review of recently digitized materials related to Catholic activities during the war.

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  • Catholic Chaplains Training School, Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky, 1918

    Explore on HistoryPin

    Explore where documents and images related to Catholic participation in World War One activities originated on world maps. 

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