Archives & Manuscripts
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Archives & Manuscripts |
The Archives & Manuscripts Department at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Library is comprised of the University Archives, Manuscripts Collections, Hawaii Congressional Papers, the Japanese American Veterans Collection, and the Hawaii War Records Depository.
The Archives & Manuscripts Department acquires, preserves, and makes accessible to researchers primary source materials documenting Hawaii history, people, politics, and culture, as well as the University of Hawaii. Originally a subunit of Special Collections, Archives & Manuscripts became a separate department on 1 July 2004.
For additional information about collections available for research at the Archives & Manuscripts Department, please see the brochure, A Guide to the Collections.
The University Archives, which serves as the collective memory of the institution, is the repository for official and unofficial records documenting the history of the University of Hawaii, and of state and local history pertaining to the university. The University Archives acquires, organizes, and preserves university-related historical material and provides access and support for reference and research.
The Special Collections Department at UH Library first began collection materials related to the university in the early 1950s. The Library appointed Fran Jackson as the first University Archivist in the late 1960s. During the 1980s, the archives were placed under the care of David Kittleson, a Librarian and former UH basketball player. James Cartwright, the current University Archivist, was hired in 1988 to manage the growing collection. The University Archives remained part of Special Collections until 1 July 2004, when it became part of the newly formed Archives & Manuscripts Department.
The Manuscript Collections of the Archives & Manuscripts Department consist of the Hawaii War Records Depository, the Japanese American Veterans Collection, the Hawaii Congressional Papers Collection, and other modern political papers. With the aim of promoting an understanding and appreciation of Hawaii's rich multi-cultural heritage, the Manuscript Collections document the people, history, culture, and politics of Hawaii, and support scholarly research, teaching, and public awareness.
The Hawaii War Records Depository (HWRD) documents life in Hawaii during World War II. During its 1943 session, the Hawaii Territorial Legislature created the HWRD at the University of Hawaii and appropriated funds to preserve materials collected from individuals and organizations throughout the state. With its noteworthy collection of personal diaries and materials, organizational records, and photographs, the HWRD attracts researchers and scholars from around the world.
The Japanese American Veterans Collection documents the rich heritage of Hawaii's Japanese American World War II veterans and their families. Hawaii's Japanese American veterans served as members of the 100th Infantry Battalion, Hawaii Territorial Guard, Varsity Victory Volunteers, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 1399th Engineers, and the Military Intelligence Service. The story of these veterans and their families emphasizes the values of democracy and civil liberties in American society.
The Hawaii Congressional Papers Collection comprises the papers of Hawaii delegates to the U.S. Congress since statehood in 1959 to the present. Current holdings include the papers of Senator Hiram Fong, Senator Spark Matsunaga, and Representative Tom Gill. The collection is a unit of the Archives & Manuscripts Department, and is housed in the East-West Center's Jefferson Hall.