The University Archives documents the rich history of the University of Virginia from its founding to the present day. Housed in the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, the collection consists of historical records that are generated by or document the activities of students, faculty, and administrators of the University. When records are no longer active and deemed to be of lasting value, they are transferred to the University Archives. The collection consists of a wide range of materials but does not include everything created by or about the University. Student records, materials with personally identifiable information, and documents containing sensitive information are not maintained by the library. Use this page of the guide to learn about finding information on an individual who attended or graduated from UVA.
Photo by Sanjay Suchak, University Communications
Navigating the University Archives:
The University Archives is made up of many collections organized into record groups. Record groups organize materials from the same areas and functions of UVA. For example, materials from the Office of the President are organized under Record Group 2 (RG-2). For each record group, you’ll find many different finding aids, or guides, that explain what is included in each record group. Learn more about the contents of the University Archives and view a list of record groups (also provided below).
Search our finding aids in these two databases:
Archival Resources of the Virginias (ARVAS): a consolidated database of finding aids that provides information about manuscripts and archival materials housed in Virginia and West Virginia. Includes detailed guides to the Papers of the President of the University of Virginia.
Archives at UVA: a database for discovering archival materials added to our collections after 2016.
Finding aids are also available in print in the Special Collections Reading Room
Useful resources within the University Archive include:
University Archives Reference File: files on reference topics researched by archives staff together with copies of a few frequently requested documents.
Ready Reference materials: a selection of books, student theses, and reports relevant to UVA’s history. These are available within the Special Collections reading room.
University of Virginia Visual History Collection: over 15,000 photographs searchable within the Virgo.
University of Virginia Web Archives: websites collected and preserved by Special Collections after 2016.
Board of Visitors minutes: available online and in Special Collections. These can be a helpful starting point in finding other relevant records within the University Archives.
Minutes of the General Faculty/ Faculty Senate: like the Board of Visitors minutes, these minutes can be a helpful starting point in researching within the University Archives.
Indexes- find these listed under their respective publications on the Newspapers, Magazines, and other publications tab
The University Archives are non-circulating and must be viewed onsite in the Special Collections Reading Room. Visit the Special Collections website to register and request items.
Questions? Submit an Online Reference Form or email university.archives@virginia.edu.