Special Collections: Archives and Rare Books holds archival and manuscript collections that support primary source research, teaching, and learning at St. Michael’s College. These collections include the papers of individuals and organizations, with particular strengths in areas connected to St. Mike’s academic programs, including Celtic Studies, Christianity and Culture, Mediaeval Studies, and Book and Media Studies, as well as the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology.
The archival collections are especially strong in the areas of Christianity, Christian spirituality, and Catholicism. They include records that document Christian spiritual and faith experience, including the Henri J.M. Nouwen Archives & Research Collection and records related to Jean Vanier and the communities of L’Arche and Faith and Sharing. The holdings also include private papers and organizational records that enrich research across the College’s academic programs, including materials related to Canadian writer Sheila Watson, Marshall McLuhan bibliographer James Feeley, Irish politician Patrick O’Neill, and The New Catholic Times Inc.
The archival collections also complement the Kelly Library’s rare book holdings, including an extensive nineteenth-century French theatre collection and a small archive related to writer and intellectual G.K. Chesterton.
Information about our archival collections is available through Discover Archives.
Henri J.M. Nouwen Archives and Research Collection
Among the many rare books, archival collections, and research materials held in Special Collections: Archives and Rare Books, the Henri J.M. Nouwen Archives & Research Collection holds a distinctive place. Housed at St. Michael’s College, the collection preserves extensive records documenting Nouwen’s life, writing, teaching, ministry, and spiritual legacy, and reflects the Library’s broader commitment to stewarding collections of enduring scholarly, cultural, and spiritual significance.
Learn more about the Henri J.M. Nouwen Archives and Research Collection.
Archival Collections Highlights
- Henri J.M. Nouwen Archives and Research Collection
- L’Arche International/ L’Arche Internationale Audiovisual Collection
- L’Arche Trosly-Breuil fonds
- L’Arche Daybreak fonds
- Faith and Sharing fonds
- Zola Research Program fonds
- Sheila Watson fonds
- G.K. Chesterton Archival Collection
- 19th Century Theatre/André Antoine Collection
- Patrick O’Neill fonds
- Catholic New Times Collection
- James Feeley fonds
- Monsignor John O’Connor Papers
- Plowman Family Postcard Collection