Mission Statement of Hope College Archives and Special Collections
The mission of Archives and Special Collections, a department of Hope College's Van Wylen Library, is to promote the educational mission of Hope College and its partner institutions by actively collecting, caring for, interpreting, and making available the unique historical resources in its care.
These resources include the archival collections of Hope College, Western Theological Seminary, area governmental units, and other members who may contract for services at the Archives. It serves as a history research center for students, faculty and staff of Hope College, for contractual members of the Archives, and for the general public.
Collection Purpose
The purpose of the Hope College Archival Collection is to support the goals of Hope College by identifying, collecting, preserving, interpreting, and making available resources that enhance the educational process. To this end, its primary focus is on college records and personal papers of enduring value from faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the College. Because of the educational mission of Hope College, we also welcome the donation of materials that will broaden our understanding of the rich history of our community. All these materials are intended for use by the College community and the general public, subject to policies on access.
The purpose of the Western Theological Seminary Archival Collection is to support the goals of Western Theological Seminary by identifying, collecting, preserving, interpreting, and making available materials that document the administration, faculty, students, and alumni of the seminary and churches of the Reformed Church in America for use by the seminary community and the general public.
(Last revised June 2019.)
Our archivist has the answers. Call, email, or ask in person.
Researchers can make an appointment to visit the Archives.