Archives & Special Collections

Welcome to Archives & Special Collections (A&SC), one of the largest archives that documents Western Pennsylvania history. In our collections, you’ll find historic documents, photographs, maps, rare books, newspapers, audio and video recordings, and much more. Do you have questions or can’t find what you’re looking for? Please contact us so one of our expert staff members can help you.

Archives & Special Collections Virtual Tour

NOTE: The Archives and Special Collections Reading Room at Thomas Boulevard is now open by appointment only. Appointments are for Pitt affiliates only and require at least 48 hours advanced notice. The number of patrons and staff will be limited to maintain social distancing. Please note that all patrons must wear a self-provided mask and will be supplied with gloves. As part of the University of Pittsburgh's efforts to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all employees and visitors on campus, a self-attestation of symptoms must be completed for every day an individual comes to the campus for any reason and for any length of time. Contact us to request an appointment. One of our archivists will follow-up with you to schedule your appointment.

Browse Our Digital Collections Browse Our Finding Aids

Explore our collections further!

John James Audubon's plate of 2 purple herons.

ULS Digital Collections

We’ve digitized thousands of records from our collections, and you can see them all here! Search our Audubon prints, get acquainted with the City Photographer Collection, or just peruse the collection guides for our materials.

Map of Fort Pitt and parts adjacent with both rivers from 1761.

Historic Pittsburgh

Interested in more Pittsburgh history? We work in partnership with other organizations in the area, like the Heinz History Center, to bring you more content on our city. Search by institution, topic, or format to find exactly what you want.

Nearly 5,000 students assembled to form the Living Panther to show Pitt Spirit. April 1920

Documenting Pitt

Want to know what the Cathedral of Learning looked like while under construction? Maybe find yourself in your college yearbook? Or learn what Pitt students were talking about in the 1920s? It’s all here for you, from digitized yearbooks to historic photographs to a full run of the Pitt News, and much more. Hail to Pitt!

News

Horror Studies - Women in Horror 1

Join us on Tuesday, March 9 at 7-8p.m. for a reading and conversation between two iconoclastic horror authors works challenge and expand our notions of the horror genre. Kathe Koja and Maryse Meijer will read selections from each other’s work followed by a conversation about these selections, definitions of horror, and the relationship between influence and mentorship... more

Horror Studies - Women in Horror 2

Join us on Tuesday, March 16 at 7p.m. for a reading and conversation with acclaimed horror poet Linda D. Addison. The conversation will focus on her biography and path to success, her role as a mentor, her approach to horror and poetics and the intersection of content and style, and feature a reading and discussion of her poetry

Horror Studies - Women in Horror 3

Join us on Tuesday, April 13 at 7p.m. for a conversation with acclaimed horror authors Jewelle Gomez and Michelle Lane. The conversation will explore expanding traditional horror conventions to include marginalized communities, the intersections of inspiration and mentorship, and revisiting characters through sequels. Jewelle Gomez is an author, poet, playwright, and essayist whose work centers... more

Horror Studies - "George Romero & Pittsburgh: The Early Years" Screening and Discussion

Join us on Thursday, February 4 from 7-8:30 pm for the premiere screening of the George Romero & Pittsburgh: The Early Years documentary and a special presentation of the George A. Romero Foundation Pioneer Award honoring the late Pitt alum and Night of the Living Dead star Duane Jones to be presented by Suz Romero.