Archives & Special Collections class visits

What is it?

Archives and Special Collections welcomes the opportunity to work with classes from all academic disciplines, and our robust primary sources are integrated into the teaching and educational mission of Mount Holyoke College. 

In our class sessions, we provide students with the opportunity to work with unique primary materials and to understand the authority and authenticity of sources and of the importance of physical artifacts. Students will also develop rhetorical and critical thinking skills, empathy and engagement with materials and an acceptance of ambiguity.

Classes can be arranged for any size and for students at any level. Introductory classes might include a brief orientation to the concept and existence of Archives and Special Collections; all classes include time for students to interrogate and handle materials. Often, students will work with materials that might be used in a class assignment and then return individually to spend more time with resources. Sessions are planned with the course instructor.

Who can use it?

• MHC faculty and staff
• Five College faculty and staff
• Student orgs at MHC and the Five Colleges
• Teachers at local K-12 schools
• Other groups and scholarly organizations

How do I get it?

If you are interested in setting up an instruction session or wondering what materials might be appropriate for a class, please contact us at archives@mtholyoke.edu.

Hours/Availability

Class sessions are scheduled individually.