University Records

The Archives collects, preserves, and makes accessible the permanent historical records of the University of Notre Dame.  These records are collected from academic and administrative offices at the University as well as from any person or organization conducting University business. 

Many University records are not generally open for use by researchers.  University records are generally closed to researchers for a period of 72 years from the date of creation; for details see the Archives Access Policy.  The Archives does, however, have records that date before that time that are open for research.  Public materials such as the Dome, Observer, Scholastic, Notre Dame Magazine, and other printed items are all open for research.  Only finding aids for records that are open for use will appear online.

Material related to the University may also be found in the manuscript collections.  For example, Fr. Theodore Hesburgh’s files from his tenure as President of the University of Notre Dame from 1952 through 1987 are considered University records, while the papers relating to his involvement in outside organizations are considered personal manuscript material since they do not involve official University business.  Faculty members’ papers and records of some unofficial student groups are likewise not considered University records.

While University records document the history of Notre Dame, they may also be of interest to those researching other subjects not solely focused on Notre Dame.  For example, scholars studying liturgical history may be interested in the records of Notre Dame’s graduate program in liturgical studies.  Those interested in labor relations may find valuable information within the files of Fr. Mulcaire, Vice President of the University, who also acted as an arbiter of coal company and labor union disputes in Indiana during the 1920s.  Scholars studying the growth of the synthetic rubber industry may want to look at patent royalty payments received by Notre Dame during the 1930s and 1940s. 


Inventory of University Records


This page was last updated October 27, 2023