Queens University of Charlotte Archives & Special Collections

The Queens University of Charlotte Archives collects and makes available materials that document and reflect the history and development of Queens University. The Archives welcomes Queens students, faculty, alumnae, and administrators, as well as other interested researchers.

The Archives contains official university administrative and committee records, publications, photographs, audio-visual materials, memorabilia, and manuscript collections of alumnae and current and former members of the faculty and administration.

Some Archives materials have been made publicly available online. Read more about these materials, collectively referred to as the Queens University Digital Archives, here.

Queens University of Charlotte Special Collections

A subset of the Archives, the Queens University Special Collections currently include:

• St. Andrew Society of Carolina Collection - Located in the Rena C. Harrell Special Collections Room (Everett Library, 3rd Floor). This collection contains over 400 books, including Scottish history, folklore, culture, which were bequeathed to Queens University by the St. Andrew Society of Carolina in 2005. These books were formerly located in the home libraries of its members. The St. Andrew Society of Carolina was founded in 1955, with Dr. Douglas Glasgow as the principal organizer. It should not be confused with the St. Andrew's Society of North Carolina. Click here to browse this collection in the Library catalog. 
• The Burwell Family Papers Collection - Contains primary source documents that were owned or created by Reverend Robert Burwell, his wife Margaret Anna Burwell, and their family. Robert Burwell was asked to lead the Charlotte Female Academy, a predecessor of Queens University, at its inception in 1857, as a result of his and Margaret's success in running the Burwell Academy for Young Ladies in Hillsborough, NC. Click here to browse this collection in the Library catalog.
• John Barringer Book Collection - Since opening Little Professor Book Center (now Park Road Books) in the Park Road Shopping Center in August of 1977, John and his wife collected an impressive library of first editions, signed copies of famous works, and rare books.  In the summer of 2012, this collection was generously donated to Everett Library for display.  Aided by a donation from the Friends of the Library at Queens, a beautiful glass-fronted cabinet was purchased to house the collection. Students and visitors to Everett may browse the collection, located on Everett Library's mezzanine.

• Preyer American History Collection - The Preyer American History Collection consists of ninety-eight of Dr. Norris Preyer's personal books, focusing on American History. The books are non-circulating but may be accessed by patrons with librarian assistance. The books are housed in a cabinet donated by Kathryn Preyer. The collection also consists of photos and mementos from Dr. Preyer's study and his tenure at Queens.

  Dr. Norris Preyer came to Queens in 1957 and served the University until his retirement in 1990. His enthusiasm and love of his subject made him a favorite with students for more than 30 years. He served as Chair of the History Department during most of those years and was named the Dana Professor of History.

  Kathryn Preyer has also been very influential at Queens. She is the founder of Friends of the Library and a founding member of Friends of Music and Friends of Art. She received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award from Queens in 1974. Both Kathryn and Norris were named Honorary Alumni by the Queens Alumni Association. 

What are archives?

Archives are collections of materials and artifacts kept and preserved by organizations like universities or historical societies. Archival materials are often unpublished and are preserved for their intrinsic or research value. The contents of the collections range widely, from those related to an organization’s history, to rare books collections and special collections that might be subject-specific. Archival materials might be paper documents, such as personal letters, meeting minutes, concert programs and photographs, but could also be less conventional historical artifacts like letter jackets or trophies. Archival items are often housed separately from the general library collection in an environment best suited for long-term preservation. Archival collections may have different names depending on the kinds of items they house.

What are special collections?

A special collection is a group of items, such as books or documents, which are of particular monetary, academic, or historical value to the owning institution and its users. Special collections may be irreplaceable or unusually rare and valuable, but they may also be selected because they tell a unique story, organize items in high demand into a single repository, or connect the institution to its community.

Are archives like libraries?

While archives and libraries are frequently found together and have a lot in common, they have somewhat different missions and functions. Libraries usually allow for material to circulate, and they collect mainly published works. Archives generally do not allow materials to leave the premises, and most of the materials collected are unique and irreplaceable.

Why are archives important?

Archives offer a unique chance to conduct research using primary source materials. Such materials, including journals, letters, and scrapbooks, cannot be found anywhere else and provide first-hand accounts of the creators' lived experiences.

Where do I start?

Every researcher has different needs and objectives, so it depends! Please contact everett@queens.edu for more information about the Queens University Archives and Special Collections.