FAQs
What is the oldest thing in the library?
The oldest item in our rare book collection dates all the way back to 1532. Robert Valturio’s military treatise De Re Militari (On Military Matters) was completed in 1460, after which handwritten manuscript copies were distributed by Valturio’s patron, Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesa of Rimini, to several of his fellow rulers. In 1472, Valturio’s book was printed in Verona, becoming one of the first illustrated books published in Italy. Our copy of this book was the first French edition; written in Latin and printed in Paris in 1532, it was given to Norwich by the class of 1952 in 1992.
What can I expect to find in the University Archives and Special Collections?
The collections of our University Archives and our Special Collections are distinct in their content and focus.
The University Archives collects records relating to the history of Norwich University, its staff, students and alumni exclusively. We have institutional records and personal papers, including letters, journals, and scrapbooks, of many of our alumni and former employees. Records in the archives begin with the life of our founder, Alden Partridge. There are over 1400 boxes of records in the archives.
Special Collections contains the rare book collection of the Kreitzberg Library. Books focus on military history and subjects of special interest to Norwich University. Books in Special Collections are findable through the library catalog but can only be used in the archives reading room.
Is there a copy of my student paper or thesis in the University Archives?
The University Archives collects student papers and theses. However, as the decision to donate is made by the student or their professor, we will only have your student paper if you or one of your professors gave a copy to the archives. In general, our student papers collections include final products for the Vermont College Adult Degree Program and several of the Vermont College graduate programs before 2001.
When were women first admitted to Norwich University?
Norwich University gained our first female and civilian students in 1972 when we acquired Vermont College. Women were first admitted into the Corps of Cadets in 1974.
How do I cite documents from the University Archives?
If you need to cite materials from our collections, use the format below:
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Collection name; Box and Folder Number; Norwich University Archives, Kreitzberg Library.
When was Norwich University founded and by whom?
The American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy was founded by Captain Alden Partridge in Norwich, Vermont, in 1819. Classes began with an enrollment of 100 students in 1820.
What’s a finding aid?
A finding aid is a guide written for each collection. Finding aids are used by researchers to locate and request specific files from our collections of over 1400 boxes. You can use this website to search most of our finding aids.
Can I see a collection online?
At present, none of our collections can be viewed online. If you are unable to visit us on the Norwich University campus but have a specific research interest, please contact us for information about obtaining copies.
Where can I find issues of the Northfield News?
The University Archives has a complete set of issues of the local town newspaper, the Northfield News, from 1880 to the present available for use in our reading room.
When are you open?
During the academic year, we are open to the public from 1:00pm – 6:00pm, Monday – Friday. Archives staff are also available by phone and email during regular business hours.
Where are you located?
We are located on the top floor of the Kreitzberg Library on the Norwich University campus in Northfield, Vermont.
Do I need an appointment to visit the archives?
You do not need an appointment to visit the archives. Visitors are welcome to come anytime we are open, Monday-Friday, 1-6 pm. However, some collections are stored off-site. If you plan to use a collection with access restrictions, you should plan to contact us ahead of time so that the collection can be retrieved from storage for your visit.
