Antiochiana

Antiochiana, the Antioch historical collection, largely owes its existence to Bessie Totten, who graduated from Antioch in 1900 and was a member of the library faculty from that time since 1942. Her retirement allowed her to devote all her time to seeking out and organizing Antioch materials.

When the Olive Kettering Library was built in 1955, Antioch at last had room to house its large and varied collection, which by this time included, in addition to Antioch items, information about local history; the Robert L. Straker collection of writings by and about Horace Mann; and numerous artifacts and varieties of memorabilia.

In 1962, Arthur E. Morgan began to turn over his voluminous papers to the College, and this large and very important collection is still growing.

In 1981, the University administration appointed a Standing Committee for Records and Historical Collections. This group has met regularly since that time, and has taken an active role in formulating and carrying out policies to develop an active archives for all of Antioch.

In 1983, the University Trustees designated the Olive Kettering Library as the overseer of all Antioch archival material.

In 1987-88 the University employed an archivist under a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. Through his efforts, all campus offices have now been surveyed and retention schedules have been put in place.

To learn more about Antiochiana and see some of the collection online, visit the Antiochana website.