Thomas Jefferson University Archives and Special Collections:
A Gateway to the University's Past
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1894 Bausch & Lomb
microscope, a typical
large continental style.
(MEM 95-15)
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First off, what is meant by the word "Archives"? The term actually has several different definitions all of which are related. When someone mentions "archives" they could mean non-current historical materials kept due to their importance in documenting the history of an organization or the life of an individual. Yet the term also refers to the facility that houses these type of records. Then think of how often you hear someone refer to "archiving" this and that which basically means storing away information for future use. So the term "archives" can be either a noun or a verb but either way refers to collecting or storing important historical materials.
An archival repository houses all kinds of materials -- correspondence, minutes, blueprints, audio/video tapes, film, CDs, photographs, artifacts, books, etc. Some specialize in collecting only certain formats such as film archives. By definition, an archives house materials no longer used by either the individual or organization that created the items. Thus everything in an Archives must be old -- really, really old. Not necessarily so. Items located in the Thomas Jefferson University Archives range in date from 1485 (really old) to 1999 (very recent).
The University Archives serves as the "institutional memory" for Thomas Jefferson University. Thus department staff acquire, preserve, and make available for research important documents, books, photographs, personal papers, memorabilia, and other historical materials that document the history of Jefferson and its constituent institutions, affiliates, faculty, students, and alumni.
Thomas Jefferson University Archives and Special Collections Department is divided into six different sections:
- University Archives
- Official records of various University departments
- Manuscripts
- Collections of personal files of faculty, alumni, and students
- Art and Photographs
- Memorabilia
- Vertical Files and Ephemera
- Biographical information, reprints, flyers, calendars, etc.
- Books
Materials within the Archives include University publications such as yearbooks, catalogs, annual reports, and newsletters; minutes or other committee files; and records of University Departments. Manuscript collections contain items such as Samuel D. Gross' notes for his lectures, military orders of John H. Brinton signed by General U.S. Grant, letters written by William S. Forbes describing his arrival in the Crimea, and a photograph/scrapbook of Alfred E. Bradley's service with the American Expeditionary Forces in WWI.
The Art/Photograph collection contains images of Jefferson faculty and alumni, campus buildings and events, as well as a small number of works of art on paper. 
Many of these images are available on-line via PHDIL - the Philadelphia Historical Digital Image Library database. A collaborative effort between the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson University, the PHDIL database consists of a variety of images from each institution pertaining to the history of healthcare, medical education, and hospitals in the Philadelphia area.
Memorabilia contains over 300 linear feet of surgical instruments, microscopes and other scientific instruments, uniforms, ceremonial pieces, or other three dimensional objects.
Books housed within the Department include volumes documenting the history of medicine but also publications of Jeffersonians. Be aware that old, fragile, or rare volumes may require special handling.
The Rare Books Collection comprises approximately 1,300 volumes. Donated materials form the core of this collection, the most important being the Bland Collection on the history of gynecology and obstetrics. There is also a strong collection of rare anatomy books, including the works of Vesalius.
The Jeffersoniana Collection comprises books dealing with the history of medicine authored or edited by Jefferson faculty or staff during their tenure at Jefferson.
The majority of items housed in the Archives are searchable in the Library's automated catalog, THOMCAT. Materials housed in the University Archives list as the location Archives, Spec-Coll, Spec-Ref, or Jeff-Coll. While these materials are available for use by the Jefferson community or the public, items may not be removed from the Department. In addition, some records may be subject to restrictions because of their confidential subject matter or by donor request.
The Thomas Jefferson University Archives and Special Collection is located on the fourth floor, Room 401, of the Scott Memorial Library. Hours are Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or by appointment. Research appointments are not necessary but are strongly encouraged. For more information, contact the Archives at 215-503-8097 or e-mail: beth.bensman@mail.tju.edu.
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