In 1826, the South Carolina Baptist Convention articulated the need for a library for the Furman Academy and Theological Institution; several years later, they recommended the creation of an archives for essential Furman Academy records and notable documents of the Baptist denomination. Although the concept of a Special Collections and Archives department surfaced very early in the university’s history and there were efforts to collect and preserve, it was many years before the collection had an identity and even more years before it had official personnel and suitable accommodations. In 1890, Harvey Tolliver Cook, Professor of Classics, designated this collection the Baptist Historical Collection. Loulie Latimer Owens served as Furman’s first Special Collections Librarian when Furman moved to its new campus in the late 1950s.

Special Collections and Archives comprises six distinct sections: the Furman University Archives, the Manuscript Collection, the South Carolina Baptist Historical Collection, the South Carolina Poetry Archives, Special Collections for Music, and the Book Collections (Baptist, Furman, and Special Collections). These materials are maintained separately from the general library collections due to their uniqueness, fragility, significance and format. With the exception of the book collections, these materials are organized, maintained and accessed differently from other library materials.

Special Collections and Archives is located on the second floor of the James B. Duke Library.

It is best to call (864) 294-2194 or email specialcollections@furman.edu. before you visit, and scheduling a visit is highly recommended.