Spotlight
The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) at Swem Library connects students, faculty, and researchers with rare and unique materials, including:
- original manuscripts
- photographs
- rare books
- maps
- audiovisual media
- and more
Special Collections is open to all researchers for onsite research, but with limited capacity in our reading room. We strongly encourage requesting an appointment to ensure that we will be able to accommodate your visit. We may need to limit your appointment to two hours depending on demand. Please email us at spcoll@wm.edu with requests for appointments, research consultations, and any other questions.
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Highlights from the Archives
An Acquired Taste
All PostsReading Tea Leaves at Special Collections
Written by Dan Du, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina - Charlotte (Special Collections Research Center travel grant recipient, 2023-2024)
Rest in Peace Colonel Clifford C. Neilson
Rest in Peace, Colonial Clifford C. Neilson. We are honored to have your combat diary in our collections.
Current Exhibit
All ExhibitsLafayette is Here
The Marquis de Lafayette in Virginia
On display: October 1 - December 2, 2024
Location: Read & Relax; Special Collections Lobby
The honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree presented to the Marquis de Lafayette in 1824 is on loan from the Chambrun Foundation who preserves and maintains Lafayette’s estate, Chateau de Lagrange, and its archives. The display of the document coincides with the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of commemorate Lafayette's visit to Williamsburg during his 1824-1825 tour of the U.S.