Boston University Archives

The Boston University Archives preserve the institutional memory of Boston University from its founding in 1839 to the present day. We identify, collect, describe, preserve, and make available records documenting the evolution of the University—from its teaching and research advancements, academic achievements and administrative development to student life and community impact. We provide reference and instruction services to administrators, students, faculty, alumni, researchers, and the public.

Through our collections, we actively support the University’s teaching, research, and learning mission by providing access to primary sources that enhance curriculum, foster scholarly inquiry, and deepen understanding of Boston University’s history.

Collections & Strategic Focus

What We Collect

The University Archives collect materials in print, handwritten, audiovisual, and digital formats that document Boston University’s institutional history. Our collecting priorities include:

• University Governance: Presidential papers, Board of Trustees records, strategic planning documents
• Academic Departments: Departmental records, interdisciplinary collaboration, strategic research areas
• Faculty Activities: Pedagogy, administrative roles, committee service, institutional contributions*
• Student Experience: Organizations, residential life, traditions, community experiences
• Broad Historical Representation & Community Documentation: Materials representing the full spectrum of BU experiences, from abolitionist origins to contemporary support centers like LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center and Newbury Center
• Campus Development: Architectural drawings documenting evolution from Beacon Hill to the Charles River Campus
• Publications: The Beacon (1876-1951), Bostonia magazine, official communications
• Global Engagement: Documentation of BU’s international identity

We prioritize materials supporting teaching and research while addressing documentary gaps in the University community.

To view University Archives collections online, visit the ArchivesSpace page.

*Please note that faculty research & publications, as well as student theses and dissertations, are preserved and accessible through OpenBU. 

Materials outside our collecting priorities

While we aim to document BU’s history broadly, some materials may be better suited to other repositories or present practical challenges for our collection. These include personal memorabilia without clear institutional connections, items requiring specialized preservation environments, materials already well represented in our holdings, active administrative records still needed for operations, or materials identified in the records retention table as having an official repository other than the University Archives.

We welcome conversations about any materials you believe might have historical value, as context often helps us find the most appropriate preservation solution.

Transferring Records & Donating Materials

For University Offices and Departments

Boston University defines an archival record as an “original University Record that has permanent or historic value, is inactive, and is not required to be retained in the office in which it originated or was received.” These are the materials that we preserve in the University Archives.

If you have archival records you believe should be transferred to the University Archives, or if you have questions about files and records you have in your office, please contact us before bringing or sending materials.

For Individuals Interested in Donating Archival Material

If you wish to donate material you believe are of historic importance to Boston University and would like to discuss a potential donation, please contact us before bringing or sending materials. This consultation allows us to ensure the materials fit our collecting scope, prepare proper documentation, and discuss any potential restrictions or concerns.

We are most interested in material that documents student life and experiences, and prioritize those materials that highlight students and student organizations that may have been previously underrepresented in or excluded from the archival record.

Preparing Materials for Transfer

Select the topic below for more information about preparing different material types for transfer.

Student Involvement with the University Archives

Students especially are encouraged to explore our collections for course projects, theses, and independent research. Whether investigating the history of your academic department, researching past student organizations similar to your own, or simply curious about BU traditions, the University Archives provides unique resources to connect you with BU’s rich past.

We offer student archival assistant positions each semester and summer, as well as internships and field placement opportunities. Students interested in archival research can also apply for funding through BU’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).