The early "Treasure Room" of the Temple University Libraries consisted of the
published books and sermons, manuscripts, correspondence and memorabilia
of founder Dr. Russell Conwell. Publications of the
University--annual and special reports, catalogs, yearbooks, journals
and student magazines and campus newspapers--have been added to the
collecting canons, as well as publications of Temple's faculty and alumni
and the Temple University Press.
In recent years, the personal papers of faculty and alumni have been sought and are proving valuable sources for research. The written word is not the only medium through which history can be traced. A photograph file of University personnel, buildings and activities offers visual documentation while an oral history program has brought into the Collection tapes and transcripts of interviews with persons knowledgeable on University issues.
Temple University does not have a records management program and although the Archives does have the Minutes of the Board of Trustees, files of various Schools, programs, administrators and others, there are many lacunae in the holdings. Donations are welcomed, whether of publications, collections of personal papers, or of individual items related to University activities.
Publications, lectures and sermons of Dr. Russell Conwell are selectively being mounted on this website, including his notable Acres of Diamonds lecture and his sermon on Hattie Wiatt, The History of Fifty-seven Cents.
Illustration from The Owl; v.1, no.1, Jan.1, 1895
(Published semi-monthly by the students of Temple College)
Any questions? Please contact Carol Ann Harris