Teaching with Special Collections: University Archives

In 1851 the original campus of Santa Clara College consisted of what remained of the Mission Santa Clara adobes built by the Franciscans. Newer wooden structures were built around the remaining adobe walls. 

As the campus was transformed by the Jesuit fathers, the campus buildings resembled less the Alta California Mission period and more the European traditions of the Italian immigrants and the American colleges of the time. In addition, fires, earthquakes and floods continued to transform the campus as they earlier shaped the original mission grounds.

 
Maps, photographs, and university records from the archives can introduce students to the use of primary sources for researching their topics.  The class environment encourages small group activities and focuses on learning outcomes based on hands on experience.  

Many students enjoy being introduced to primary sources by examining the records of their predecessors at SCU.  Our collection offers a rich assortment of materials from the president's papers, early class bulletins, photographs, artifacts, as well as student newspapers and literary magazines.  Researching how the University evolved from a small gold rush era boarding school to its present day entity allows students to directly connect to the lives of an earlier generation.