About Friends Historical Library
Friends Historical Library: Preserving the Legacy of Quakerism
Swarthmore College, founded in 1864, has been a beacon of liberal arts and engineering education for over a century. The college has always been committed to providing its students with the knowledge, insight, skills, and experience necessary to become leaders for the common good. One of the most important aspects of Swarthmore's mission is its dedication to preserving history and culture through its Friends Historical Library.
The Friends Historical Library was established in 1871 as a repository for materials related to Quaker history and culture. Since then, it has grown into one of the most comprehensive collections of Quaker-related materials in the world. The library's holdings include manuscripts, books, photographs, artwork, maps, and other items that document Quaker life from its origins in seventeenth-century England to contemporary times.
The library's collections are particularly strong in areas such as peace studies; social justice; women's rights; African American history; Native American history; environmentalism; education reform; and religious thought. Researchers from around the world come to Swarthmore College specifically to use these resources.
One unique aspect of Friends Historical Library is that it actively collects materials related not only to mainstream Quakers but also those who have been marginalized within the Society of Friends due to their race or gender identity. This commitment reflects Swarthmore College's broader mission of promoting diversity and inclusion.
In addition to serving researchers from around the world, Friends Historical Library also plays an important role within Swarthmore College itself. The library offers classes on archival research methods and hosts exhibitions that showcase items from its collections. It also collaborates with faculty members on research projects related to Quakerism or other topics relevant to its holdings.
Overall, Friends Historical Library is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding Quakerism or exploring topics related to social justice or peace studies more broadly. Its commitment both preserving historical documents while promoting diversity makes it stand out among similar institutions worldwide."