Library Overview
Although the Special Collections at the University of Miami Libraries were established in 1978, the libraries have collected rare and manuscript materials since the inception of the University of Miami in 1926. Today, the Special Collections are recognized for extensive holdings relating to the history of Florida and the Caribbean Basin, including the West Indies; the northern coastal regions of South and Central America; and the Gulf Coast states of the United States. The Rare Books Section includes examples of early printing, private press publications, art books, collectible books, fine-press printings, and fine bindings. The Special Collections are also home to the University Archives.
Notably, the Manuscript Collections focus on South Florida and consist of important collections of the papers of Florida pioneers, political figures, authors, businesses, and organizations, social and cultural activists, civic leaders, and alumni and faculty of the University of Miami. Examples include the papers of noted author and environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas and prominent botanist Walter Swingle; the records of the Model Land Company and the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove; the collections of Mark F. Boyd and Charles Deering; and the papers of university faculty such as art historian Virgil Barker and writer Clark Emery.
While Florida materials are the strength of the Manuscript Collections, the Special Collections also hold collections of Latin American materials, such as the collections of Phanor James Eder and Puerto Rican writer José Balseiro, and Americana such as the Historical Manuscripts Collection that includes Thomas Jefferson letters.
One of the most widely used collections in the Special Collections is the Pan American World Airways Inc. Records, and the Special Collections houses several other collections related to Pan Am and Florida's aviation history such as the records of World Wings International and Clipper Pioneers.
University of Miami
University of Miami Libraries
Special Collections
PO Box 248214
Coral Gables, Florida 33124-0320
http://www.library.miami.edu/archives/
asc.library@miami.edu
(305)284-3247 (t)
(305) 284-4027 (f)
