Printer FriendlySpecial Collections
The Special Collections and Archives Division of the Beneficial-Hodson Library contains books and other materials that, because of their subject, rarity, source, condition, or format are maintained separately from the library's general collections. The Archives is the repository for administrative records and official publications that document the history of Hood College, and includes a large collection of Hood photographs, scrapbooks, memorabilia, and college publications such as yearbooks, course catalogs, and the alumnae magazine.
Special Collections and Archives materials do not circulate, and therefore must be used in house. Additionally, some of the Archives materials are not available for public use. Please consult with a Reference Librarian or call 301-696-3933 to schedule an appointment if you need access to Special Collections and Archives materials.
Some of the materials located in Special Collections and Archives include:
Personal Papers
There is a collection of documents and correspondence of Hood faculty and alumnae. In this collection you will find the papers of Leah Allen, professor of astronomy, Sydney Silverman, professor of Biology, and James Byrne Ranck, chairman of the History and Political Science Department (1929 - 1963), among others.Books, correspondence, and other materials relating to the Warren Commission's investigation of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy comprise the Sylvia Meagher Collection. Her research on this topic culminated in the publication of her book, Accessories After the Fact: the Warren Commission, The Authorities and The Report, (New York: Vintage Books, 1967).
The personal papers and memorabilia of Frederick artist, Helen L. Smith are gathered, along with many early sketches and working templates, into the Helen Smith Collection.
Rare Books
The Flickinger Foundation for American Studies rare book collection is focused on early travels in America and consists of some 200 items.Rare or unusual materials relating to the history of Frederick County (sorry, no genealogy) are housed in Special Collections.