The Wilkes University Archives selects, preserves and makes available records that document the programs, people, and history of Wilkes University and the Wyoming Valley. The Archives also seeks to educate members of the Wilkes community and the public about the university’s history, by providing access to the collections and contributing to campus cultural events and publications. The archives provides educational opportunities for students so that they can learn the research process and develop skills that will prepare them to enter the workforce.
Our collection currently consists of University publications and the papers of Wilkes faculty, staff, administration, and board members. Highlights include papers from the Flood Recovery Task Force, the Wilkes University Institute of Regional Affairs, and the Gilbert McClintock Collection, which includes records documenting the early history of the Wyoming Valley and the Revolutionary War.
The archives is actively seeking to grow our collections and welcomes donations pertaining to Wilkes activities and history. For more information please contact Suzanna Calev at suzanna.calev@wilkes.edu.
Select Wilkes Collections
Wilkes Magazine
An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947 to present. The magazine went through various names, including Wilkes Alumnus, Wilkes Quarterly, Wilkes Universe, and the current title, Wilkes Magazine.
Undergraduate Bulletin
Bucknell University Junior College and Wilkes Undergraduate Bulletins from 1933 to present.
Yearbooks
The complete digitized series of the Wilkes College and Wilkes University yearbooks, Amnicola.
Wilkes Manuscript
The Wilkes University Manuscript is a student-run literary magazine, published by the Manuscript Society since 1947. It is currently published once a year. Individuals may submit creative fiction, creative nonfiction/short personal essays, poetry, photography, drawings, paintings, digital art, and music compositions. Submissions are open to all Wilkes University students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Beacon
This is Wilkes University's Beacon Newspaper collection, 1947 to present. We also have digitized copies of the Beacon's predecessors, The Bucknell Bison Stampede, 1934-1935 and The Bucknell Beacon, 1936-1947 June.
Commencement Programs
Wilkes College and Wilkes University Commencement programs from 1941 to present day.
Baccalaureate Services
Programs for past Wilkes University Baccalaureate Services.
Awards Ceremonies
Programs for various awards ceremonies at Wilkes University.
Location & Hours
The Wilkes University Archives is located in the Harold Cox Archives Room on the third floor of the Farley Library, 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18766.
Our summer hours are 1 - 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday or by appointment. To make an appointment, please email ask.archives@wilkes.edu or call the Archives at (570) 408-4264.
The Archives room was dedicated to Dr. Harold Cox, Professor Emertius of History and University Archivist, on Aug. 21, 2013, in honor of his hard work and persistence in building an archives program at Wilkes.
More about the archives external website
Use Policy
The Wilkes University Archives is open to all users with an interest in the history of Wilkes University. However, several rules govern use of the archive in order to ensure that the collection will continue to be available.
- Users may not enter the Wilkes University Archive unless a library staff member or the University Archivist is present.
- Users must present their name, address, and photo id in order to be allowed access to the collection.
- Materials may only be used inside the Wilkes University Archive unless:
- The University office or department which created the material wishes to reference it, in which case it may be charged out for a limited loan period at the discretion of the Library Dean or University Archivist.
- The document will be used in an exhibition, cultural performance, or university publication, in which case a temporary loan may be arranged. Users must request a loan at least two weeks in advance, and loans will be only be allowed at the discretion of the Library Dean or University Archivist.
- Access to the document has been restricted according to the standards set by the Society of American Archivists external website, in which case use will be prohibited in any setting.
- Users will only be allowed to work with one box or folder of material at a time.
- Users must use care when handling documents, and may not write on, fold, or re-arrange any documents in the collection.
- Users may not take notes in pen.
- No food or drink is allowed in the Wilkes University Archive.