Index to Collections

The Linda Lear Center for Special Collections & Archives is Connecticut College's repository for preserving and promoting some of our rarest and most precious resources for learning and research. With strengths in environmental and women's studies, American history and literature, and fine press printing and artists' books, the Center is open to all students and researchers.

The Lear Center has over fifty book, manuscript, and art collections, in addition to a rich collection of College history. Premier collections include the Lear-Carson collection, a research archive devoted to Rachel Carson, the Sheaffer-O'Neill Collection of manuscripts, photographs, documents, and early editions of Eugene O'Neill, and children's literature, including the Helen O. Gildersleeve collection of children's literature and the Lear-Potter research archive devoted to Beatrix Potter. A complete alphabetical list of collections follows with links to further information and finding aids where available.

Please note: The Lear Center is beginning the process of transferring its finding aids to ArchivesSpace, the Center's new content management and discovery system. While this index will remain live, some links will take you directly to finding aids on the Lear Center's ArchivesSpace page.

Special Collections

College Archives

AV Collections

  • AV01 Video (Moving Images) Collection (AG)
  • AV02 Audio Collections (AG)

Photographic Collections

  • CCP01 Campus Life Photograph Collection
  • CCP02 Dorm Life Photograph Collection
  • CCP03 Founders Photograph Collection
  • CCP04 Donors Photograph Collection
  • CCP05 Trustees Photograph Collection
  • CCP06 Presidents Photograph Collection
  • CCP07 Buildings and Campus Photograph Collection
  • CCP08 Physical Education
  • CCP09 Academic Departments