Special Collections

ca. 1899 postcard showing the Swarthmore Train Station and College Campus

ca. 1899 postcard showing the Swarthmore Train Station and College Campus

We are open to anyone who would like to explore our collections. Special Collections staff are available to answer questions during reading room hours. Please make an appointment to use our primary sources and historical materials in our reading room.

  • Visitors to campus should use this form to schedule an appointment.
  • Members of the Swarthmore College community may schedule an appointment here.

 

Special Collections

Parrish Hall around 1870

College Archives

The College Archives hold the records of the College as a corporation, of students, student groups, classes and alumni groups in addition to prints, photographs and general memorabilia.

College Archives
Friends Historical Library Reading Room

Friends Historical Library

Established in 1871 to collect, preserve, and make available records concerning the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) from their origins in the mid-seventeenth century to the present, Friends Historical Library is one of the outstanding research facilities for the study of Quaker history.

Friends Historical Library
dove with olive branch

Peace Collection

The Peace Collection is the most extensive research library and archive collection in the United States focusing solely on movements for peace around the world.

Peace Collection
illustration from ancient astronomy text

Rare Book Room

The Rare Book Room houses a variety of materials including College and student publications as well as unique collections, highlighted by our growing Book Arts and Private Press Collection.

Rare Book Room