About
Our Mission
The primary mission of the Center for Archival Collections (CAC) is to actively acquire, preserve and make accessible to researchers historical materials documenting the history of Bowling Green State University, northwest Ohio, the Great Lakes and the student affairs professions. The collection is particularly strong in documenting University and local history, Great Lakes maritime history, women's history, the Civil War, education and all aspects of the social, cultural, economic and industrial history of northwest Ohio.
Our History
Founded in 1968 under the direction of Richard J. Wright, the CAC began as the Northwest Ohio-Great Lakes Research Center and has since evolved into a key hub for archival research in the region. Since its establishment, the CAC has expanded its holdings and services through strategic partnerships, preservation initiatives and national collaborations. Milestones over the years include participation in the Ohio Network of American History Research Centers (1970-), development of an extensive program of microfilming that expanded through partnership with the Genealogical Society of Utah, an annual conference on local history (1985-2006), and grant-funded projects that have supported collecting efforts, such as a 2018 NEH Common Heritage Grant aimed at documenting the history of the Islamic community in the Toledo Area.
Using the Collections
The CAC is open to BGSU students, faculty and staff and the general public.
Planning Your Visit
Hours: CAC hours differ from the main library. Please check our current hours before visiting.
Access: All materials are housed in closed stacks and do not circulate. To use our collections, please stop in and visit or us contact us about your research needs.
- Appointments: Most materials can be accessed without an appointment. However, some collections require two business days’ notice if stored off-site. Materials can be pulled in advance for known appointments, allowing researchers to make the most of their time in the CAC.
- Permitted items: Visitors may bring laptops, cell phones, digital cameras, paper and pencils. Pens, food, and drink are not permitted.
Searching and Research Tools
CAC Homepage Search Bar: For individually cataloged items or collection-level descriptions of archival collections that are located within the CAC.
Archival Finding Aids: For box and folder inventories of archival collections.
Digital Collections and Exhibits: For online access to digital exhibits and digitized materials drawn from the CAC’s holdings.
ScholarWorks: For University publications and scholarly output.
Genealogy Page: For genealogical research.
Distance Research Services
If you cannot visit in person, the CAC offers reference and research assistance. See our Reference Services page for more information.
Updated: 07/15/2026 12:33PM