The Office of Archives and Special Collections houses many important collections, including manuscripts on the creation of basketball and volleyball, as well as the beginnings of physical education, sports, and the Olympics. Explore collections on James Naismith, Laurence O’Brien, Ted Shawn, and Peter Karpovich, among many others.
Digital Collections
The Springfield College visual resources reflect our mission to document the history of Springfield College as well as the YMCA movement and physical education in the United States and abroad.
Manuscript Collections
The Archives and Special Collections houses many important collections including manuscripts on the creation of basketball and volleyball, as well as the beginnings of physical education, sports, and the Olympics. Explore collections on James Naismith, Laurence O’Brien, Ted Shawn, and Peter Karpovich among many others.
Rare Book Collection
Springfield College’s Rare Book Collection illuminates the history of the College from its first days as the School for Christian Workers and the International YMCA Training School to the present day. The collection includes over 15,000 volumes that range from the early 1800s to the present day.
Springfield College Records
Springfield College’s archival records--other than widely distributed records, such as open meeting minutes, College publications, and publicity photographs--will normally remain closed for 25 years from the date of their creation. Access to record series spanning several years will be granted 25 years from the most recent date in the series.
SHAPE America Archives
SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators) is the largest organization of professionals involved in school-based health, physical education and physical activity, who are dedicated to teaching and promoting active, healthy lifestyles. Founded in 1885, SHAPE America provides a comprehensive array of resources, leadership in the development of standards and guidelines, professional development and advocacy for its members as well as the general public.
Cliff Smith Postcard Collection
The Cliff Smith YMCA Postcard Collection is comprised of nearly 10,000 rare postcards dating from the 1890s that depict YMCA buildings, events, and activities in the United States and abroad, provides a unique and valuable understanding of the significance of the Y around the world. The postcards represent the only remaining image of many Y buildings of the past. In addition to architectural history, the collection also addresses related topics such as camping, aquatics, youth work, armed services, fitness and athletics, World War I, African American Ys, and Springfield College (formerly the International YMCA Training School). Digitized images are accessible through an online database in which postcards may be searched by keyword, title, subject, or location.
