Manuscript Collection

Introduction to the Manuscript Collection

The State Historical Society of Missouri provides access to it's manuscript collections at research centers on the four University of Missouri campuses in Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla and St. Louis.

Researching online?

Search the holdings of one or all of the collection locations:


Match: Terms: Located at:

HELPFUL HINT: If the word or words that you searched for are not immediately apparent in the web page, hit CONTROL + F on your keyboard to enable your browser to open the "find" dialog box. Type your search word or phrase in the "find what" box and click on "find next" to search the page. Remember, you must be in the web page you want to search.

The holdings can be accessed through:

Narrative descriptions and inventories of each collection enhance the card catalog entries.

Visiting the Research Centers?

All researchers are welcome to use the Society's resources. Holdings are non-circulating and must be used on the premises. Researchers must provide photo identification, and read and sign a rules and consent form before using manuscript material.

Reference archivists are available to assist the in-house researcher, as well as to answer e-mail, mail, and telephone inquiries. There is no charge for reference assistance or use of the collections.

Planning a visit from out of town?

Some collections require written permission from the donor to use and/or photocopy. Out-of-town researchers are encouraged to contact us prior to their visit so materials can be recalled from storage or the other research centers if necessary.

Collections stored off-site are usually available for use within 24 hours. Materials housed at one center can be viewed at any of the others; transfers from one campus to another usually takes 48 hours. Microfilmed collections can be borrowed through interlibrary loan.

Need copies of collection material?

All photocopying is handled by the staff. Collections cannot be reproduced in their entirety. Orders of over 200 pages will be photocopied at the staff's discretion based on previously scheduled work. Audio and video materials held by the Society are for research use only, but may be reproduced on a case-by-case basis.