The Lear Center holds the historical record of Connecticut College as well as special collections in the areas of manuscript materials, books, and art. Strengths include the history of Connecticut College, environmental and conservation movements, American women's history, local history and literature, the history of the book, fine press printing and artists’ books, and children's literature.
Explore our different areas below or browse collections by subject.
College Archives
The College Archives documents the history and activities of Connecticut College from its founding to the present day. Holdings include official records, photographs, publications, and personal papers of students and faculty.
Digital Collections
Our digital collections include digitized and born-digital materials from across the Lear Center's holdings, including archives and manuscript collections, rare books, art, and Connecticut College publications.
Special Collections
Special Collections is comprised of over 100 distinct collections in three areas: manuscript collections, rare books, and art collections.
The Manuscripts Collections at Connecticut College contain important materials in the fields of environmental history, women’s history, military history, as well as local history. Some of the notable collections in the Lear Center focus on Rachel Carson, Eugene O’Neill, Beatrix Potter, Frances Perkins, Prudence Crandall, Alice Hamilton, and Belle Moskowitz.
The Lear Center has approximately 24,000 rare books with strengths in the history of the book, children's literature, American literature and travel, fine press printing, and artists' books. These collections are cataloged and available through the library's OneSearch.
The Lear Center is responsible for the maintenance of the Campus Art Collection, most of which is distributed across campus. In addition to the Campus Art Collection, the Lear Center also houses several smaller art collections.