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 U. Archives does not usually collect the following:
- history of Webster Groves, Missouri (interested researchers should contact the Webster Groves Historical Society or the Missouri Historical Society).
- typical genealogical materials such as church records, passenger lists, etc.
- family papers, photographs, memorabilia, etc.
Donating to the Archives
If you have materials that you would be interested in donating to the Webster University Archives, please contact the Archives at (314) 968-6950 (800-985-4279) or at the address shown on the Archives home page. Please note that due to space and staffing limitations, we must restrict the types and quantities of materials we can accept. All donated materials become the property of the Webster University Archives.
The Society of American Archivists has a brochure called A Guide to Donating Your Personal Family Papers to a Repository which you may find helpful. Donors typically sign a deed of gift which is explained in another SAA brochure, A Guide to Deeds of Gift.