About

The VUU Archives and Special Collections Blog features highlights from the collection, staff activities, publishes exhibitions and events in Archives and Special Collections Department at the L. Douglas Wilder Library, Virginia Union University.

The Archives and Special Collections Department of Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA was founded in January 1997. It is located in the L.Douglas Wilder Library and Learning Resource Center. The department records and preserves the history of African Americans, and therefore offers a wealth of information on the history of African Americans in Richmond.

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Mission
Our mission is to preserve the rich historical records of the university and information of permanent historical value and also serve as an educational resource for scholarly and administrative research.

Collection Overview
The Department holds a number of collections from historical figures who are largely alumni of the university. Some of our numerous collections are:

L. Douglas Wilder Collection
This consists of the life and career of Virginia’s 66^th Governor (1990-1994), the first elected African American Governor in US history and the first Black legislator to serve in the Virginia State Senate since Reconstruction (1969-1986) as well as the first black lieutenant Governor of Virginia (1986-1990).

Sampson Watson Collection
This collection recognizes the legacy of both Rev. Dr. Frederick G. Sampson and Rev. Dr.  Lance Watson.  Both have distinguished themselves among the greatest African American preachers and role models in society. The collection contains sermons by nationally known preachers from various generations.

Spencer Collection
This consists of Dr. Jon Michael Spencer’s donation of more than 1,100 books, journals, microfilm of historic papers, research documentation in history and theology of African Americans, African history and slave culture. It also has a significant number of hymnals from various denominations.

Special Collections
This is a growing collection of rare books, manuscripts, photographs and sheet music. The rare books collection is over 1200 in volume with first editions, signed copies and out of print books which emphasize African American children’s books of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.

University Archives Collection
The Archives includes records of the university’s history, publications and information on faculty, alumni and students’ theses. This includes the University’s yearbooks from roughly 1928 to 2008.

We hope you would find time to come visit us to view and use our collections and also contributes to our collection discovery platform.

Selicia G. Allen
Special Collections Librarian/University Archivist

Jessica Bennett
Special Collections and Art Librarian

Virginia Union University, Richmond VA