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!
Welcome back, Jayhawks! Students will be returning to campus over the next few days to get ready for the start of the spring semester next week.
A KU student’s decorated bedroom, 1911. Note the KU wall hanging, pennant, and pillow. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 71/0 1911: Student Activities (Photos). Click image to enlarge (redirect to Spencer’s digital collections).
A KU History article about Corbin Hall – KU’s first residence hall, which opened in 1923 – noted that “originally there were no University-owned dormitories for students at the University of Kansas. During KU’s early years, housing was catch-as-catch-can, with many of the students in attendance usually hailing from the surrounding area. As such, many lived at home, or with faculty, or in other private residences.”
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!
The KU women’s basketball team, 1902-1903. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/20/13 1902/1903: Athletic Department: Women’s Basketball (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!
The buffet at a KU event during Orange Bowl festivities in Miami, Florida, January 1969. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 71/66/14 1969: 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!
We hope all Jayhawks are enjoying a very merry holiday season with their families and friends!
A group of KU students, 1912-1913. Note the KU pillows on their laps. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 71/0 1912/1913: Student Activities (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!
Strong Hall with holiday lights, 1952. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 0/22/87 1952 Prints: Campus: Buildings: Strong Hall (Photos). Click image to enlarge.
