Currently, most of the Humanist Special Collection is not digitized and is only accessible physically on site. However, you don't have to be in Chicago to use the Humanist Special Collection. This page provides and overview of how to use the Humanist Special Collection material that is not digitized.
Papers are archival collections created by an individual or family. While many of these papers of those of humanist ministers, we also have papers of lay leaders, activists, and other individuals whose lives and experiences are important to humanism.
Records are archival collections created by organizations. These can include congregations and organizations with historical or current connections to humanism and the larger secular/free thought movement.
If you need access to archival material from the Humanist Special Collection that is not digitized, we offer access to physical collections to researchers through limited scanning request and general reference. If you can't come to Chicago, email us at archive@meadville.edu and we will do what we can to help you.
The Meadville Lombard Archives and Special Collections is located right in the center of Chicago's downtown in the Loop neighborhood. We are open 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday by appointment. For researchers traveling to Chicago, we have special room rates at local hotels. Due to building security, all archive visits must be scheduled ahead of time. To arrange a visit, email us at archives@meadville.edu with the dates and times you want to visit and the collections you would like to use.
While not part of the Humanist Special Collection, the UUA Congregational Records contain extensive documentation of the Fellowship Movement, which was heavily influenced by humanism. To explore these records, click here.
If you have any questions about the Meadville Lombard Archives and Special Collections, just ask!
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Meadville Lombard Wiggin Library
180 N. Wabash Ave.
Suite 625
Chicago, IL 60601
Library and Archives Phone: 312-546-6488 Library Email: library@meadville.edu Archives Email: archives@meadville.edu