Reese Library Special Collections & Institutional Archives: Home

The purpose of Reese Library Special Collections is to collect, maintain and preserve primary materials such as manuscripts, papers, photographs, maps and research materials such as books, serials, etc. related to Augusta University, local history (Augusta and the CSRA), and the University System of Georgia.

Special Collections, in partnership with the Augusta Richmond County Historical Society, maintains 4,900 book titles and over 400 manuscripts as well as historical photographs, vertical files and material from the Augusta Richmond County Historical Society.

The Reese Library Special Collections & Institutional Archives has a depository agreement with the Augusta Historical Society (ARCHS), wherein we maintain, preserve, and provide access to the materials of the historical society in addition to our own. 

The purpose of the Augusta Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and exhibit letters, records, papers, instruments in writing and documents of historical nature, especially those pertaining to Richmond County, Georgia and the citizens thereof; to promote and conduct investigation and research of historical facts; to foster and encourage the writing of historical books and other papers containing historical information and generally take appropriate steps to stimulate the study of and interest in the history of Richmond County and its citizens and to disseminate information with reference thereto by publication of periodicals, articles, and educational programs and in carrying out these purposes to collaborate with other organizations and corporations having similar purposes.

• Please wash your hands before entering the Reading Room.
• No food or drink is allowed in the room.
• Visitors are requested to sign in at the front desk during each visit.
• When working with the materials, please Use only pencils, not pens. 
• Special Collections materials may be used only in the reading room. Workrooms and storage areas are closed to the public.
• The researcher is responsible for carefully handling materials to prevent any damage. Items that cause damage include paper clips, post it notes and rubber bands. Actions that cause damage include folding pages, laying books open face down, using bookmarks other than those provided, leaning on, writing on or tracing materials, and taking notes on top of materials. 
• Special Collections staff reserves the right to inspect all research materials and personal items before a patron leaves the room.

Special Collections Events

Upcoming:

November 14, 2024: Holocaust Lecture Series, Reese Room 

Pop up exhibit of materials from the WWII Dachau and Borkum Island war crimes trials, on loan from the Mayo Family. 

Previous:

September 19, 2024: Literature of Prescription Exhibit Talk, Reese Room 

A talk with Prof. Anna Harris-Parker on Charlotte Perkins Gilman's work "The Yellow Wallpaper" in coordination with a traveling National Library of Medicine Exhibit. 

December 6, 2023: Life and Limb Book Discussion, Reese Room 

A book discussion of Paying with Their Bodies: American War and the Problem of the Disabled Veteran by John M. Kinder held in coordination with a traveling National Library of Medicine Exhibit. 

March 16, 2019: "Women who Organize," JSAC Breezeway

A pop-up exhibit at the Women and Gender Studies Symposium

February 14, 2019: A Scandal in Special Collections, Reese Room

Dramatic readings and a pop up exhibit of love letters from Special Collections & Institutional Archives. View the recorded event here!

January 24-25, 2019: Louise Shivers Pop-up exhibit, Maxwell Theater

Pop-up exhibit in conjunction with the musical adaptation of Louise Shiver's Here to Get my Baby Out of Jail

January 15, 2019: Visiting Researcher Presentation, "Vikings in America," Reese Library

Ph.D. candidate Zacahry Melton (University of Iceland) presents on vikings in American pop-culture.