Collections : [University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.]

University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.

Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
170 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Primary Collecting Areas:
American literature, antiquarian and contemporary, American history (Southeastern United States), Virginiana, British literature, Sporting books and manuscripts, World War I, Bibliography, the book arts, history of the book and typography
Fine press and artist’s books, Pop-up books, Victorian publishers bindings, Typography, Archives of the University of Virginia
Description:

The Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library administers over 13 million manuscripts, 3.6 million items in the University archives, and 325,000 rare books, as well as approximately 5,000 maps, over 4,000 broadsides; more than 250,000 photographs and small prints; over 8,000 reels of microfilm; and substantial holdings of audio recordings, motion picture films, and ephemera.

The major emphasis of the Department’s collections are American history and literature, with additional substantive collections in Virginiana, British literature, African-American history, book arts, the history of sporting and World War I, among others. In addition, the library serves as the University Archives, holding records of historic significance to UVA.

POC: Special Collections Public Services & Reference Staff
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Start Over Repository University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept. Date range 1953

Alexander G. Gilliam collection of University of Virginia history papers, 1921/2019 1.64 Cubic Feet One cubic-foot box, one letter-sized file box, one half-width letter-sized file box, one small oversized folder

This collection contains essays and papers related to the history of the University of Virginia compiled by Alexander G. "Sandy" Gilliam, a University of Virginia alumnus, administrator, and historian. The content dates range from 1921 to 2019. Correspondence and greeting cards between Gilliam and University administrators, historians, and alums are present, as are forty special interest essays written by Gilliam on obscure University of Virginia historical subject matter. The essays discuss historical maps of the University, University Presidents, road nomenclature, secret societies, the history of buildings, the Rotunda, the Lawn, University faculty, and the evolution of student life. Also included are programs from University dinners, building grand openings, groundbreaking ceremonies, Final Exercises, dedications, funerals, on-Grounds weddings, and other events collected by Gilliam.

  1. University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.

Alexandria Hospital School of Nursing records, 1894/1987 18.4 Linear Feet

The Alexandria Hospital School of Nursing Records are comprised of 22 boxes of papers and archival material, including photographs, manuscripts, correspondence, newspaper clippings, reports, Yearbooks, nursing caps and uniforms. The collection does *not* contain official student records such as transcripts. HSL does not know where these records were transferred when the school closed.

  1. University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.

Alice "Bessie" Walker papers, 1918/1955 Box 3, Folder 5

Includes papers about the University of Virginia, particularly admission of women. Bessie Walker (wife of Albert E. Walker and daughter of Robert and Ida Valentine, was a hostess for the University of Virginia and worked at the University of Virginia Student Union Center.) There are also photographs of Bessie Walker.

  1. University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
  2. Elizabeth Howard papers on Meade, Valentine, and Walker family, 1873/2005
  3. Addition: Meade, Walker, Valentine papers and Rebecca McGinness papers

Alice Constance Burford Booth Papers, 1940/1968 2.5 Linear Feet 4 document boxes

(1920–2004) Faculty member at the Medical College of Virginia School of Nursing, specialist in psychiatric nursing. Papers include reference materials and notes concerning diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, along with course materials in the mid-1940s and the mid-1960s. These relate the state of knowledge at mid-century.
  1. University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.

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Finding aids may contain historical terms and phrases, reflecting the shared attitudes and values of the community from which they were collected, but are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical or mental ability; religion; sex; and sexual orientation and gender identity.

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