Archives and Special Collections, located on the east campus near the arena, collects, arranges, stores, preserves and makes available the records of the university, its founders, faculty, alumni and supporters, as well as the community of which it is a part. The archives serves as a resource for information on the university, the local community and the practice of Catholicism in America in general and northwestern Maryland in particular. Collections include approximately 10,000 rare books, 40,000 manuscripts, 90,000 photographs and 400 feet of archival records, as well as artwork, artifacts, textiles, scrapbooks and other audiovisual records. The archives supports the mission of the university by describing these records and artifacts and making them available for research.

Besides documenting the evidence of the founding, development and growth, purposes, significant decisions, activities, philosophy, programs and policies of the university, materials in the archives also include records of the local community, alumni records and information relating to Elizabeth Seton, slavery, the Civil War and World War II. The rare books concentrate on such areas as Catholic Church history, bibles, catechisms, Civil War, theology, philosophy, ethics and the history and practice of Catholicism in Maryland. The manuscripts document the day-to-day workings of the university as well as the more extraordinary events that transfixed the growing country. The art collection includes paintings, prints, watercolors, stained glass and sculpture with chiefly religious themes. Nineteenth and twentieth century student newspapers, essays, artwork, scrapbooks and programs provide insight into Catholic college life relating especially to academics, economics, entertainment, sports and religion.

Because of their uniqueness and rarity, items in the archives do not circulate but are available for research at the archives. The archives is open during regular business hours, but it is always wise to call ahead for an appointment (301-447-5397). Use of the collection for research and exhibit is strongly encouraged, and questions and expressions of interest are welcomed.