Collections

The BGSU University Archives documents the history and development of Bowling Green State University. The collection includes administrative records, presidential papers, campus publications, photographs, student organization records, and materials that reflect the culture and community of BGSU from its founding in 1910 to today.

The Historical Collections of the Great Lakes focuses on the economic, social and environmental history of the Great Lakes region. It includes over 450 manuscript collections, photographs, ship plans, maps, and other materials that highlight the maritime industries, port cities and shipping history of the region.

From 1970-2000, many early local government records in the 19-county northwest Ohio region were microfilmed by the CAC for preservation purposes. As a result, the CAC has an extensive collection of local government records, including those of counties, municipalities, townships and school districts in the region. The collection includes tax duplicates, court ledgers, meeting minutes, and other records essential for legal, genealogical, and historical research.

The Manuscript Collections comprise personal and family papers as well as business and organizational records that reflect the diverse history and culture of northwest Ohio and beyond. Topics include politics, labor and social movements, women’s history, education, religion, agriculture, and more. These collections support local and regional studies as well as broader research themes.

The CAC holds over 6,000 reels of microfilm representing more than 650 newspaper titles from across northwest Ohio. These papers, which date from the 19th century to the present, were originally held by publishers, libraries, and courthouses. This extensive collection offers invaluable documentation of local events, politics, and everyday life.

Rare Books & Special Collections features materials that are rare, fragile or of lasting research value. The collection includes early printed books, artists' books, limited editions, and unique print materials that support teaching and scholarship in a range of disciplines.