About the Webster University Archives |
Mission Statement (1999)
The Webster University Archives serves as the official repository for the permanent records of the university. It appraises, collects, organizes, preserves, and makes available material of historical value. It also selectively collects personal papers, manuscripts, and other materials of individuals and organizations that have played a significant role in the history and development of the university. The primary goal of the Archives is to document the teaching, research, administrative, student life, and community service activities of the university since its inception in 1915.
Overview of the collections
The Webster University Archives primarily collects:
- official documents or records produced by the university (e.g., correspondence, minutes, publications, reports, yearbooks, newspapers, photographs, media materials, etc.) of lasting importance
- selected secondary sources (e.g., periodical articles about the university)
- selected papers of current and former university students, faculty, staff, and administrators which are of particular significance to the university's history
- information on the Sisters of Loretto that relates to the order's founding and operation of the university. Additional materials on the Loretto Community and its involvement in the history of the institution are found in the Community's archives in Nerinx, Kentucky.
- information on certain local organizations (e.g., Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, College School) that relates to the period when the organization was directly affiliated with Webster.
- selected artifacts which are especially illustrative of the university's history or traditions.
The Webster University Archives does not usually collect the following:
- history of Webster Groves, Missouri (interested researchers should contact the Webster Groves Historical Society or the Missouri History Museum).
- typical genealogical materials such as church records, passenger lists, etc.
- family papers, photographs, memorabilia, etc.
University Archivist
Jonathan Majors
Instruction Librarian & University Archivist
Webster University Archives
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
email: jonathanmajors64@webster.edu
phone: 314-246-7818 or toll free: 1-800-985-4279