About the University Archives

Purpose Statement

The functions of the University Archives are to acquire, arrange, describe, and preserve all forms of documentation of the history and administration of the University of Maryland; to provide reference assistance to University of Maryland students, faculty, and administrators and off-campus researchers; to assist campus units in determining appropriate retention periods for their records; and to disseminate information about the holdings of the University Archives through bibliographic instruction, exhibits, and campus publications.

History & About

The University Archives serves as the collective memory of the University of Maryland, from the granting of the charter for the Maryland Agricultural College on March 6, 1856, to the present day.

Established by the Board of Regents in 1972, the Archives is the official repository for all of the university's permanent records and actively gathers administrative files, university publications, photographs, audiovisual materials, and memorabilia that document all aspects of campus life.

At present, the Archives holds more than one linear mile of paper files, nearly 1,000 linear feet of publications and 500,000 photographs, approximately 7,000 pieces of film and videotape, and almost 1,000 memorabilia objects. These materials capture the day-to-day functioning of a highly complex research institution in all its many facets - administration academics, athletics, the arts, and other student activities. Learn more about University Archives holdings.

The University Archives is a heavily consulted resource for the University of Maryland community and researchers across the United States and around the world, handling nearly 1,500 requests for information annually.