Welcome to the Kenneth Spencer Research Library blog! As the special collections and archives library at the University of Kansas, Spencer is home to remarkable and diverse collections of rare and unique items. Explore the blog to learn about the work we do and the materials we collect.
Each week we’ll be posting a photograph from University Archives that shows a scene from KU’s past. We’ve also scanned more than 34,800 images from KU’s University Archives and made them available online; be sure to check them out!
Good luck to KU students as they wrap up the Fall 2019 semester today and take final exams next week!
KU students working in the Undergraduate Reading Room at Watson Library, 1962. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 32/0 1962 Prints: University of Kansas Libraries (Photos). Click image to enlarge.
Each week we’ll be posting a photograph from University Archives that shows a scene from KU’s past. We’ve also scanned more than 34,800 images from KU’s University Archives and made them available online; be sure to check them out!
Holiday Vespers in Hoch Auditorium, 1940s. The KU a cappella choir (Donald M. Swarthout, Director) is on the stage; the KU Symphony Orchestra (Russell L. Wiley, Director) is on the floor. The 95th Annual Holiday Vespers will be held this Sunday, December 8. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 71/7 1940s Prints: Student Activities: Holiday Vespers (Photos). Click image to enlarge.
Each week we’ll be posting a photograph from University Archives that shows a scene from KU’s past. We’ve also scanned more than 34,800 images from KU’s University Archives and made them available online; be sure to check them out!
KU football fans on a train headed for Lincoln, Nebraska, 1939-1940. The girls in white outfits were members of the Jay Janes spirit or pep squad. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 71/66/14 1939/1940: Student Activities: Sports: Football (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).
Each week we’ll be posting a photograph from University Archives that shows a scene from KU’s past. We’ve also scanned more than 34,800 images from KU’s University Archives and made them available online; be sure to check them out!
KU students in the cafeteria at the Memorial Union, 1956-1957. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 55/3 1956/1957 Prints: Memorial Corporation: Memorial Union (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).
Each week we’ll be posting a photograph from University Archives that shows a scene from KU’s past. We’ve also scanned more than 34,800 images from KU’s University Archives and made them available online; be sure to check them out!
Professor Jack Brooking with students practicing make-up application, 1950s. Brooking was a professor of speech and drama. Note the skull in his left hand. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 39/0 1950s Prints: University Theater (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).
