Archives and Special Collections

Archives and Special Collections

 

The VSU Archives and Special Collections supports the University's commitment to scholarly and creative work, enhances instructional effectiveness, encourages faculty scholarly pursuits, and supports research in selective areas of institutional strength focused on regional need by collecting, preserving, and providing access to records of enduring historical value documenting the history and development of VSU and the surrounding South Georgia region.

Sub-communities within this community

Collections in this community

Recent Submissions

  • Ray City Community Library, Ray City Community Library (Ray City School, 1936)
    Dramatics Club Programs, 1936-1938. Ray City School. CA-014-003: Ray City community Library, 1936-ca. 1960 series. Ray City community Library Collection.
  • Ray City Community Library, Ray City Community Library (Ray City School, 1934)
    Assorted Ray City School Photos, 1934-ca.1960. Ray City School. CA-014-003: Ray City community Library, 1936-ca. 1960 series. Ray City community Library Collection.
  • Ray City Community Library, Ray City Community Library (Ray City School, 1937)
    Baccalaureate & Graduation, 1937-1952. Ray City School. CA-014-003: Ray City community Library, 1936-ca. 1960 series. Ray City community Library Collection.
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2025)
    This document details the history and cultural significance of dirt track racing in South Georgia, particularly within Berrien County. From its early "Jalopy" days in the 1940s and 50s to "Stock Car" racing by the 1960s, ...
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2025)
    This document meticulously chronicles the spectacular Leonid meteor shower of November 13, 1833. This rare astronomical display, caused by Earth crossing the orbit of the Tempel-Tuttle comet, saw hundreds of thousands of ...
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2024)
    This document aims to provide historical context for the honoring of Confederate soldiers in Berrien County, Georgia. The author, a museum curator, asserts that monuments were erected to honor the lives and service of ...
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2024)
    This document traces the evolution of agricultural practices and dominant cash crops in Berrien County, Georgia, from early subsistence farming to a complex, market-driven economy. Initially, homesteaders focused on ...
  • Unknown author (2024)
    This document details the complex history of land acquisition and distribution in Georgia, particularly focusing on the territory that would become Berrien County. Initially, Georgia claimed vast lands from the Atlantic ...
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2024)
    This document details Nashville, Georgia and the early urban planning efforts to establish West Avenue as its central, impressive thoroughfare, anchored by the 1898 brick Berrien County Courthouse. This vision of a "Grand ...
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2023)
    This document illustrates the pervasive and often terrifying presence of snakes in Berrien County from the time of early settlement to the mid-20th century. It compiles numerous anecdotes from local newspapers, highlighting ...
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2023)
    This document thoroughly chronicles the history of two distinctive Berrien County, Georgia, country stores: Shebargie in New Lois and Sheboggy in Alapaha, both serving as essential community hubs. Shebargie functioned as ...
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2023)
    This document details the history of the Nashville Bottling Works in Berrien County, Georgia, tracing its origins from a modest operation in Sparks in February 1905 by Homer J. Hall and Jackson Whitehurst. Initially serving ...
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2023)
    This document provides a detailed history of "Blind Tigers" in Berrien County, Georgia, a term referring to illegal alcohol sales and the locations or individuals involved. The term originated from two methods used during ...
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2010)
    This document investigates the local legend of the Gator Children of Berrien County, Georgia, confirming their existence and shedding light on their challenging lives. These two siblings, Madison (Mattie/Matt) and Bettie ...
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2010)
    This document meticulously chronicles the history of the Majestic Theater in Nashville, Georgia, from its origin as the three-story New Opera House built in 1912 on Courthouse Square. Initially showing silent films with ...
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2009)
    This document details the historical evolution and significance of the Berrien County courthouses, particularly emphasizing the challenges and symbolic importance of the clock in the second, most recognizable structure. ...
  • Ray City Community Library, Ray City Community Library (D. Appleton & Company, 1884)
    Appleton School Reader; 4th Reader, 1848. D. Appleton & Company. Ray City community Library, 1936-ca. 1960 series. Ray City community Library Collection.
  • Berrien County Historical Society (2008)
    This document, details popular early 20th-century recreational getaways in Berrien County, Georgia, highlighting Mayhaw Lake, Dixie Lake, and Lucy Lake. These resorts offered residents a means of rest and relaxation before ...
  • Shaw, Bryan Lee (2019-09)
    This document details recent yDNA research that has revolutionized understanding of the Shaw family's ancestral origins. Initiated by Tom Shaw, Jr. and analyzed by specialists like Rory O'Shea and Margaret Jordan, this ...
  • Shaw, Bryan Lee (2019-06)
    This document provides a detailed account of the author's decades-long genealogical journey to trace his paternal Shaw family roots. The primary focus has been on the descendants of Francis Marion Shaw and Rachel Moore ...

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