Hours of Service: |
|
Monday--Friday |
9am-5pm
Please
call ahead before visitng the library. |
Open to the public: |
Yes |
Photocopying:: |
Yes |
Interlibrary loan: |
Yes, with some restrictions. |
Open to the public: |
By appointment only. |
Photocopying:: |
Yes, on a limited basis. |
Interlibrary loan: |
No. |
The Menno Simons Historical Library is open to the public for reference and
research use. The Archives collection is made available through the Menno Simons Historical Library.
- Reference Policy:
- Reference service is provided in-person, by mail, telephone,
and e-mail.
- Borrowing Privileges:
- These materials do not circulate.
- Networks/Consortia:
- OCLC, VIVA
- Background Note:
- Eastern mennonite University was founded in 1917; the Menno Simons Historical Library
was begun in 1926.
Return to top of page.
- Books and monographs:
- The inclusive
dates of the collection are 1501 to the present. The Historical
Library has major research holdings on the history, doctrine,
life, and arts of Anabaptists and Mennonites, beginning with the
16th-century Reformation. The particular focus of these materials
is the Dutch wing of Anabaptism. There are significant works on
the history and development of the Mennonites from the 17th century
to the present, including Pennsylvania German materials such as
Ephrata and Saur imprints; extensive materials pertaining to the
Amish; and an outstanding collection of central Shenandoah Valley
imprints (Harrisonburg, Singers Glen, Dayton, New Market), including
large holdings of the publications of Joseph Funk. Eastern Mennonite
University has perhaps the most extensive collection in North
America of the etchings (mostly in books), of the Dutch artist,
Jan Luiken (1649-1712)
- Periodicals and newspapers:
- Inclusive dates of this collection
are 19th century to present. The Historical Library collects published
records that apply to any Mennonite group in the area, as well
as some unpublished material. The collection includes many regional
and local journals, area conference proceedings, and newsletters.
- Archives, manuscripts, correspondence, and oral histories:
- Inclusive dates of this collection
are 1910 to present. The Archives contains the official papers
of Eastern Mennonite College/University and some manuscript collections of individuals related to the school. The Archives also has collections that support four main research themes related to EMU's mission. They are as follows:
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Mennonite revivalism with a focus on George R. Brunk II and Myron Augsburger.
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The Concern movement in Europe following World War II and its legacy in North America.
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Conflict transformation and restorative justice as scholarly disciplines.
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Interfaith engagement with a focus on Anabaptist-related initiatives to Jews and Muslims.
Most materials are inventoried by archival box.
Archival and manuscript collections are not discoverable in the OPAC.
- Microforms:
- 516 microfilms; The subject matter is Mennonite history in
the form of journals and dissertations. Some finding aids are
available for this collection.
- Videos and Sound Recordings:
- 1100 audio tapes, mostly of special Eastern Mennonite College
and Seminary and, after August of 1994, Eastern Mennonite University
events.
- Vertical files:
- These collecions include over 1,000 college term papers on Mennonite history
and Mennonite congregational history and a clipping file containing
newspaper articles, pamphlets and other items concerning Mennonite
and Amish history. The vertical file is organized alphabetically.
- Paintings, photographs, slides, and prints:
- Approximately 4,500 engravings, paintings, photographs, prints
and 2,000 slides. Most of the collection is 20th century although
the engravings and broadsides are 17th century. Most relate to
Mennonite history. The Luiken collection includes broadsides and
engravings. Many of the latter are in books.
Amish; Anabaptists--History; Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712; Mennonite genealogy;
Mennonites; Mennonites--History; Reformation
Pellam, Herbert R. Eastern Mennonite College, 1917-1967:
A History. Harrisonburg, VA: Eastern Mennonite College, 1967.
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at the top of this page.
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use our Ask
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