Dordt University Archives and Special Collections

Welcome to the Dordt University Archives and Special Collections

The archives is located in Rooms 162 and 163 on the lower level of the library.

Our mission is to collect, preserve, provide access to, and encourage the use of the archival materials, books, and other items related to Dordt University. Primary holdings in the Dordt University Archives and Special Collections include material about Dordt University, its relationship with the Christian Reformed Church, and books written by current and former college faculty members. Additionally, the Center for Public Justice (CPJ) records and the unpublished music scores of the Grotenhuis Music Collection are housed in the archives.

The key difference between libraries and archives is what is contained in the collections and how it was acquired. Libraries seek out creative and informational sources to meet the current needs and interests of its users. When materials are no longer useful, they may be discarded or transferred to the archives. Archives safe-guard records that have been generated during the course of an institution's development.

Image source: Original classroom building, 1955. Dordt College Archives and Special Collections