Webster University Archives |
Access to the Emerson Library building is currently limited to Webster University and Eden Theological Seminary students, faculty, and staff.
Please contact the University Archivist at the bottom of this page with questions about the Webster University Archives. Access to most archival materials is by appointment only for Webster University students, faculty, and staff. While non-university individuals may not visit in person at this time, we will try to answer your research inquiries to the extent possible via email.
Some of these archived materials include content which may be highly offensive by today's standards. A full statement on this content may be found below.
About Webster University
About the Archives
- About the Webster University Archives
- Collection descriptions (what types of materials are available?)
- Donating to the Archives
- Transferring materials from university offices/departments
Access the Archives online
Visiting the Archives
- Planning a visit (by appointment only)
- Copy policies and procedures
- Information for Remote Researchers
Webster University Centennial 1915-2015
- Webster University: 100 Years (documentary produced by Nine Network of Public Media)
Helpful links
- Special collections/Rare books at Webster U. and Eden Theological Seminary
- Archives in St. Louis and Worldwide
- New to Archival Research?
Archive Collections May Contain Offensive Materials
For archival purposes, Webster University preserves historical photos, documents, yearbooks and student newspapers. Scholars can access these materials to research past events at the institution and explore the context surrounding those events. Some of these materials include content which may be highly offensive by today's standards. The photos and language in the materials published decades ago are reflective of the values and standards deemed acceptable at that time. Today many of us will find this content offensive and unacceptable.
Some of the content in historical photos, documents, yearbooks, and student newspapers is abhorrent and appalling, and we openly reject biased and racist views. We also acknowledge that it is part of our history, which is why we are preserving these offensive photos, documents and publications and letting them remain in their original forms. As an academic institution committed to critical analysis, we must honestly recognize these troubling views. To deny this history would be dishonest. We must shed light on past injustices and errors, analyze all the evidence, acknowledge how far we have evolved, and identify how much more needs to be accomplished in order to attain true equity and inclusion for our community.
Contact
Jonathan Majors, Instruction Librarian & University Archivist
Webster University Archives
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
314-246-7818 or toll free: 1-800-985-4279
jonathanmajors64@webster.edu