Buswell Library Archives & Special Collections is the central repository for Wheaton College’s archival collections, including institutional archives, rare book and manuscript collections, and extensive holdings documenting global evangelism, missions, and evangelical Christian history.

By making these materials available to students, scholars, and the general public through our Manuscripts Reading Room, the Archives strives to support the curriculum of Wheaton College, strengthen and broaden academic excellence, and integrate faith and learning into scholarship.

The collections are organized into three distinct record groups:

The College Archives documents the history of Wheaton College (1860 to the present) and its predecessor, the Illinois Institute (1852-1859), by collecting its records and publications and by serving as the main repository for official and unofficial permanent records of the College.

Special Collections seeks to collect, preserve, and promote materials related to the lives and legacies of notable adherents to the Christian faith, particularly those who have a significant relationship with Wheaton College and/or evangelical Christianity. These holdings exist to strengthen and broaden the College’s tradition of academic excellence, with a view to supporting the curriculum and the integration of faith and learning.

The Evangelism & Mission Archives is a major research collection of unpublished materials relating to North American, Protestant, nondenominational evangelism and global missions efforts especially focused on the twentieth century.

The Archives is open to the general public, and no appointments are necessary to use the collections. Please check our website for current hours of operation and closures.

Buswell Library Archives & Special Collections
Mailing address: 501 College Ave.
Street address: 500 College Ave.
Wheaton, IL 60187
630.752.5910
archives@wheaton.edu