Archival Collections Overview - Wright Library
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Archival Collections Overview

Archival Collections

The Wright Library is home to an expansive collection of archival material related to the history of Princeton Theological Seminary, American Presbyterianism, and theological study. These diverse collections provide insight and first-hand experiences of the individuals and organizations that have helped shape 19th and 20th century theological study in general and the history of Princeton Seminary in particular.

More than 400 individual archival research collections make up the nearly 6,000 linear feet of material in the collection. Combined, these archival collections document significant theological traditions of the Presbyterian and Reformed churches both in the United States and around the world. These primary and secondary sources provide a rich history and context for the creation and development of American Presbyterian, Swiss Reformed, Dutch Reformed, and Korean Presbyterian traditions.

Each year, the Scheide Reading Room in Special Collections hosts hundreds of scholars from around the world who are doing research and work on monographs, chapters, papers, theses, dissertations, and genealogical research. The breadth and depth of our archival holdings creates a unique setting for archival research and academic work on a broad range of theological topics.

Collections of personal papers include:

  • David Avery Collection
  • Dietrich Bonhoeffer Collection
  • Charles Erdman Collection
  • Prathia Hall Collection (Coming soon!)
  • Muriel Van Orden Jennings Collection
  • Paul Lehmann Collection
  • J. Gresham Machen Collection
  • Carl McIntire Collection
  • Moffett Korea Collection
  • Princeton Theological Seminary Presidential Collections
    • Archibald Alexander Collection
    • Charles Hodge Collection
    • A. A. Hodge Collection
    • B. B. Warfield Collection
    • Francis L. Patton Collection
    • J. Ross Stevenson Collection
    • John A. Mackay Collection
    • James McCord Collection
    • Thomas Gillespie Collection
    • Iain Torrance Collection
  • Stewart M. Robinson Collection
  • William Courtland Robinson Collection
  • Robert Elliott Speer Collection
  • Betsey Stockton Reference Collection

Collections of organizational papers include:

  • Academy of Homiletics
  • The Christians Associated for Relationships with Eastern Europe (CAREE)
  • Consultation on Church Union (COCU)
  • Local New Jersey Church Records:
    • Allentown Presbyterian Church
    • Cranbury First Presbyterian Church
    • Hopewell Presbyterian Church
    • Kingston Presbyterian Church
    • Nassau (First) Presbyterian Church
    • Nassau (Second) Presbyterian Church
    • New Brunswick Presbytery
  • Overseas Ministries Study Center
  • Princeton Theological Seminary publications
  • Society of Christian Ethics

Searching Collections

Browse an alphabetical list of some of our archival collections, or explore and search within our full database of archival collections. This searchable database includes finding aids for all of the processed archival collections in the Princeton Theological Seminary archives. You can search by creator, keyword, and subject to find collections that best fit your research interests. If you would like to view any of archival collections, please request an appointment.

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