The College Archives


Old Main, then known as Recitation Hall, ca. 1892.
College Archives Resources
    Record Group Descriptions
    Literary Society Records
    The College Reporter, 1964-2001 and         Student Weekly, 1915-1964 - full text
    F&M Voices: Oral Histories
    F&M Founding Documents Online
    Vietnam Veterans Oral Histories (PDF)
    Student honors theses 2005-

Records Management
    Overview and Services
    UPDATED! Records Retention Guidelines
    UPDATED! Transferring Archival Records
    Honors Thesis Submission Information

Historical Information
    Franklin & Marshall College Timeline
    College Presidents
    Chairs of the Board of Trustees
    Brief History of Campus Buildings
    Brief History of the Alumni Association
    Williamson Medalists

Online Features
     NEW! F&M on Film: Early College footage.
     The College History Quiz
     F&M From the Air
     F&M Ghost Stories
     F&M Postcard Tour
     Archival Photo Gallery
     Historic photo albums
     50 Years of Change at F&M

Other Information
    Citing Primary Sources
    College History Bibliography

The College Archives collects and preserves the permanent historical record of Franklin & Marshall College (1853-present) and its related institutions: Franklin College (1787-1853), Marshall College (1835-1853), and Franklin & Marshall Academy (ca. 1837-1943). The collections include both non-current official and unofficial records of Administrative and Academic departments, including correspondence, memoranda, minutes, agenda and in-house publications; biographical information on alumni, administration, faculty and staff; student theses and memorabilia; works published by faculty and alumni; sound and video recordings; and photographs that document people, events and the evolution of campus through time.

Most materials are available to student, faculty, staff, alumni and public researchers. However, some official records of the Board of Trustees, Academic Departments, the Office of the President, the Dean of the College, and other administrative offices may be confidential or restricted to the use of administrative staff and require the permission of the office of origin for their use. Interested researchers should contact the College Archivist for specific information on what materials are available for study.

Major college publications retained in the Archives include: the student newspapers, College Days (1873-1879), The College Student (1881-1914),The F&M Weekly (1891-1915), The Student Weekly (1915-1964) and The College Reporter (1964-present). 1915-2001 is now viewable and searchable online! ; the College's yearbook, The Oriflamme (1883-present) and the F&M Academy's Epilogue (1914-1942); the annual College Catalog (various titles) (1837-present); faculty works; and the Alumni Association publications, Franklin and Marshall College Alumnus (1924-1968), F&M Today (1973-1988), F&M News (1988-1994) and Franklin and Marshall College Magazine (1994-present).

A bibliography of publications relating to the history of Franklin and Marshall College is available.

In addition, a list of Lancaster, PA historic newspapers is also available.

Please see the Transfer Guidelines for information regarding the types of records academic and administrative offices should transfer to the College Archives.

Senior Honors Theses can be submitted at any time to the College Archives by following the guidelines and release form provided here.


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revised 04/30/08 mrl