Champlain College opens research hours for local history materials

Champlain College has established regular public access hours for its Special Collections Reading Room. The room is open to researchers on Thursdays from noon to 2:00 p.m. Individuals who need to visit outside these times can schedule a specific appointment with the library staff.

The reading space is located in Room G08 on the lower level of the Miller Information Commons. The room follows the general schedule of the Miller Information Commons, meaning it is closed on any day the main library is closed. Researchers can direct questions or request appointments by sending an email to specialcollection@champlain.edu.

The collection holds three primary archives that document the region's past. The Champlain College Archives record the institution's history from its founding in 1878 through the present day. The Llewellyn Collection of Vermont History contains publications, artifacts, and ephemera related to the state, with a specific focus on Burlington. The Local History Collection includes additional publications concerning Burlington, Lake Champlain, and Vermont.

Accessing these materials requires using two separate catalog systems. Books and pamphlets within the Local History Collection are listed in the main Champlain College Library catalog. Materials from the Llewellyn Collection and Archives, along with ephemera from the Local History Collection, are indexed in a distinct Special Collections catalog. Library staff are currently working to complete the cataloging process for all items in these archives.

The library states that it supports both Champlain College affiliates and community researchers. Staff offer assistance with primary historical source research questions. The department welcomes contributions from the public to support its operations. Donors can make a gift through Champlain College’s Online Gift platform by entering Special Collections in the designation field.

The opening of regular Thursday hours provides a set time for the public to view these historical documents. Previously, access was primarily limited to scheduled visits. The location in the Miller Information Commons places the archives in a central area of the college campus. The specific contact email allows for direct communication regarding research needs. The dual catalog system remains in use while the full indexing process concludes.

Researchers planning a visit should check the current status of the Miller Information Commons before traveling. The reading room is situated on the lower level of the building. The archives cover a wide range of historical periods and geographic areas within Vermont. The Llewellyn Collection remains a key resource for those studying Burlington's specific history. The college encourages interested parties to reach out for guidance on their research topics.