Donations + Policies

Parrish rebuilt after the fire in 1881

Parrish Hall rebuilt after it burned down in 1881

Collecting Scope

The Archives is committed to collecting the official records of Swarthmore College, as well as certain unofficial records pertaining to the College in a variety of formats, including print, visual, audio, and electronic. The College Archives focuses its collecting efforts in the following areas, in descending order of emphasis:

  1. The official records of Swarthmore College, including documents in various formats that have been created and collected by the College and its offices and departments from its origins to the present day. These documents include (but are not limited to): publications, correspondence, committee minutes, ledgers and other financial records, clippings, photographs, films, and sound recordings. See also: Records Management at Swarthmore College.
    1. To transfer materials to the College Archives please contact the College Archivist by emailing archives@swarthmore.edu and be prepared to include a filled out of copy of the records transfer receipt form[PDF]
  2. Records of student clubs, faculty committees, staff groups, semi-autonomous organizations (e.g. the Scott Arboretum), and other bodies affiliated with the College. See also: Donate Records of Your Student Group
  3. Papers or materials of students, alumni, faculty, or staff members that directly document college operations or campus community life. Please note that due to space limitations and other practical constraints, the College Archives collects personal papers, faculty research, and other materials that aren’t focused specifically on Swarthmore College only at the discretion of the College Archivist. I
    1. If you are interested in donating to materials related to the history of Swarthmore College please email archives@swarthmore.edu or call the Friends Historical Library, 610-328-8496. Also review the Swarthmore College Special Collections Deed of Gift Form [PDF]

While the above areas describe the College Archives’ collecting scope, other criteria that impact the Archives’ ability to preserve materials and make them accessible - such as format, condition, and legal and ethical considerations - may factor into acquisitions decisions.

To speak with the College Archivist please email archives@swarthmore.edu or call the Friends Historical Library, 610-328-8496.