Special Collections Policy

The Center for the Study of 19th Century America defines its mission as follows: To acquire, preserve, and provide access to a wide range of primary and secondary materials in support of presenting researchers with a context to understand the times in which the Seventh-day Adventist Church began. The five collections that make up the Center for the Study of 19th Century America are:

1. Thomas Memorial Collection
   This collection contains materials related to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. Included in the collection are books, photographs, periodicals, newsletters, and other memorabilia. Also included in the collection are the papers of Dr. Russell C. Slater, original collector of the Civil War material, and John W. Fling, Jr., original collector of the Abraham Lincoln material. This material was acquired by Dr. Vernon L. Thomas, who subsequently donated it to McKee Library in 1973. This collection is considered complete.
2. Duane and Eunice Bietz Collection
   This collection houses books by and about Mark Twain. Included in the collection are several rare first editions, signed copies, periodicals, memorabilia, and authentic letters written by Mark Twain. The collection was donated to McKee Library by Duane and Eunice Bietz in 2009. Additions to this collection are only accepted from the original donors.
3. Domestic Science and Cookery Collection
   This collection houses rare books on household management, etiquette, nutrition, and cooking. For a well-rounded 19th-century context, publication dates range from 1800 to 1950. Additions to this collection come from librarian acquisitions, deaccessioned items from the library’s general collection, or from patron donations.
4. Seventh-day Adventist Heritage and Apocalyptic Studies Collection
   This collection houses books on Adventist heritage, specifically those pertaining to the study of the books of Daniel and Revelation. The collection also features works by prominent non-Adventist authors—Sir Isaac Newton being one example—who did significant scholarship in this area. Included in the collection are several first-edition books written by Ellen G. White as well as a copy of "A New Concordance of the Holy Scriptures" by John Butterworth that belonged to Joseph Bates. Additions to this collection come from librarian acquisitions, deaccessioned items from the library's general collection, or from patron donations.
5. Origins and Biology
   This collection houses books on Creationism and Evolution. The primary focus of the collection is on materials that provide 19th-century creationist counter-arguments to the Darwinian evolutionary theory. Also included in this collection are materials that focus on the development of Darwinian thought up to the Neo-Darwinian synthesis. Additions to this collection come from librarian acquisitions, deaccessioned items from the library’s general collection, or from patron donations.

Southern Adventist University Publications Digital Archives hosts a collection of digitized university publications and institutional history materials. Additions to this collection are accepted from the Alumni Relations and Administration offices and relevant patron donations.

Types of Materials

Collections are comprised of mostly books, but also present are journals, newspapers, annuals, archives, ephemeral materials, photographs, posters, memorabilia, and a variety of other original materials.

Language and Geographical Aspects

Based on the collection scope, McKee Library Special Collections collects works written in English and from the United States.

Inclusive dates

• Pre-1800: Few items in the collection were published prior to 1800 and serve to create a well-rounded historical context of the 19th century.
• 1800-1900: Most items in the collection fall within this time period.
• 1900-1950: Few items in the collection were published after 1900 and serve to create a well-rounded historical context of the influence of the 19th century in the early 20th century. It must be noted, however, that the Duane and Eunice Bietz Collection contains memorabilia as well as collection development and sales information that belong in this time period. Some items belonging to the Southern Adventist University Archive also contain items that fall within this time period.
• 1951-now: Most items in the Southern Adventist University Publications Digital Archives fall within this type period. Some materials belonging to the Duane and Eunice Bietz Collection also fall within this time period.

There is much work to be done to properly house and preserve the collection. Some books have been shielded with protective polyethylene covering, while others are awaiting this process. Unbound materials are kept in acid-free folders and boxes. Ideally, all items should be housed in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment.

Criteria for Transfer of General Stacks Materials to Special Collections:

American books in the general collection that have been printed from to 1750-1950 are evaluated by the Special Collections librarian for transfer if their subject falls within the following:

• Household management
• Cooking
• Nutrition
• Etiquette
• Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and history
• Biology
• Creationism
• Evolution

Donation Criteria

McKee Library Special Collections is pleased to accept gifts and/or memorial gifts from patrons. Gifts are gratefully accepted as long as no restriction is placed upon their use and disposition. Acceptance of gifts will be determined by the Special Collections librarian on the basis of the library’s special collections needs.