History/Authority
The Columbia College Archives is an outgrowth of the Columbia College Alumnae Association Historical and
Archives Committee which was established in 1971 to collect and preserve documents and artifacts relative
to the history of Columbia College. At the March 18, 1978, meeting of the Historical and Archives
Committee and with the concurrence of the Executive Committee of the Alumnae Association, it was agreed
that the College Librarian become an ex-officio member of the committee, that the collection be
transferred to the library for maintenance and storage, and that the College administration officially
support the activities of the Committee. In a memorandum of April 24, 1978, Dr. Ralph Mirse, President of
Columbia College, agreed that this committee should collect and preserve papers and documents of the
institution. Each administrative department was notified by the President's Office that two copies of
important items should be sent to the College Librarian for deposit in the College Archives. The official
name of the originating committee was changed in 1981 to the Archives Committee of the Alumnae
Association.
Mission Statement
The Columbia College Archives is the primary depository for historical records pertaining to Columbia
Female College, Columbia College, and its faculty and students. The purpose of the Columbia College
Archives is to collect, preserve, organize, and make available for research the historical records of the
College. In addition, the archives seek to serve as a resource and laboratory to stimulate creative
teaching and learning.
Collection Policy
The Columbia College Archives actively collects recorded information that contributes to the history of
the College. In addition the Archives also collects papers and documents that support the purpose of the
archives that are generated by administrative departments, faculty committees, student organizations, and
any College related group or individual. The Archives is a depository of recorded information, and
therefore, does not actively collect artifacts. Columbia College Archives welcomes all relevant donations.
The Columbia College Archives also collects images that document the history of Columbia College, and its
faculty, staff, and students. Photographic formats collected include, color images, black & white images,
slides, and images in electronic format. Access to photographic collections is available within the
Archives.
Donations
Columbia College Archives welcomes donations of materials related to the College. In particular, the
archives is looking for correspondence and other materials originating within the College and its
departments as well as from individuals or organizations affiliated with the College. Early copies of
student newspapers, bulletins, and commencement programs are needed to create a more complete collection.
Also, material related to early presidents, staff and students such as correspondence and photographs are
being sought to enhance early collections. Current publications are also integral to the collection as
well.
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