University Archives

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University Archives and Special Collections

Students using archival materials for research

About the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University Archives and Special Collections

The mission of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University Archives and Special Collections is to collect, arrange, describe, and preserve items that document the history of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University in Decatur, Illinois, and to serve as a source of discovery and learning about that history. Materials are accessible to the public for research purposes through a combination of online and physical collections. Included in the collections are many records of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University offices, departments, student groups, faculty, and alumni, as well as student publications such as the full run of the Decaturian (newspaper) and the Millidek (yearbook). An extensive photograph and negative collection is also a part of the Archives' collection. Please address any specific questions or concerns about the Archives to Amanda Pippitt, University Archivist.

Location and Hours

Location: UC232 (second floor of the University Commons, northeast corner of floor)

Hours: Fall 2024 hours are Mondays-Wednesdays, 2:30-4:30pm; Tuesdays/Thursdays, 1:30-3:30pm (exceptions may exist on holidays when student employees are unavailable)

If you need assistance with a research question relating to Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University history, or would like to book the archives for a class session, please contact Amanda Pippitt well in advance of your deadline (more than 24 hours).  In your message, please describe your research interest and your availability.

If you need to contact the Archives by phone, call 217-424-3982 during open hours, or call archivist Amanda Pippitt at 217-424-3957.

Our mailing address is:

University Archives, Staley Library
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University
1184 W. Main Street
Decatur, IL 62522

Online Resources (Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ History)

These digital collections (linked below) have been created from historical materials, which may contain opinions, language, images, or other materials that the modern reader may find offensive. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University Archives presents these documents as part of the historical record and does not endorse the attitudes expressed therein. For more information, please read this statement from the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University President and Provost.

  • (Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University Student Newspaper): 1903- June 1951
  • (Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University Yearbook): 1906-1999
  • : early 1900s-late 1990s (collection still growing)
  • : 1903-1970s (collection still growing)
  • (from DPL Local History)- to limit to Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ-related histories, do a search of the collection for "Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ" or other, related terms
  • Library of Congress Oral Histories- Army Air Cadets that were stationed at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ for training during WW2

Online Resources (Local History)

  • (Birth & Obituary Databases, Oral Histories, High School Yearbooks)
  • (Digitized Staley Journals; Decatur Staley Football)
  • (Digitized Company Publications)

Staff

Amanda Pippitt is the University Archivist.  Please contact her with any questions regarding transfer or donation of items to the Archives, questions on the use of the Archives and its policies, scheduling a class session, or other administrative concerns.