Special Collections, University Archives, and Rare Books

Connecticut Polish American Archives

Established in 1986 with a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission CONNECTICUT POLISH AMERICAN ARCHIVE (CPAA) collects, preserves and makes accessible documents related to the history of the Polish American community, with a special emphasis on the history of the Polish Americans in Connecticut and New England. The finding aids for this collection can be accessed online.

The Polish American Pamphlet collection is in the process of being digitized, to view what has been added so far, visit the digital collection.

Gender Equity Collections

There are several significant collections including the following: John Loughery, Richard Cardarelli, George W. Henry, Christine Pattee, The Connecticut Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights, and the Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.

Gender Equity is comprised of two major collections: The first is the ABLE ARCHIVES, a collection of books, videos, pamphlets, reports, and teaching aids that focus on gender equity and women's issues. The second is a collection of manuscripts, letters, photographs, books, buttons, T- shirts, videos, postcards, flyers, and periodicals by and about Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgendered. The collection is particularly strong in materials by and about Connecticut's GLBT communities, and religion and the Gay Community.

William A. O'Neill Gubernatorial Records and Oral History Interviews

A finding aid for the William A. O'Neill Guberbatorial Records that are located at the Connecticut State Library.

The William A. O'Neill Oral history project is produced under the auspices of the CCSU Center for Public Policy and Social Research. The interviews focus on the administration of Connecticut Governor William A. O'Neill (1980-1990), whose humanitarian and environmental policies were notable for the era. During his tenure Governor O'Neill tackled a myriad of issues, from clean drinking water and assistance for the mentally challenged to appointing the first female Chief Justice of Connecticut's Supreme Court.

Many of these interviews are also available in our Oral history digital collection.

John J. Woodcock Lemon Law Archives

A finding aid for the John J. Woodcock Lemon Law papers is located in the Elihu Burritt Library Special Collections Department. The Lemon Law oral histories are significant for their impact on Connecticut governing initiatives that reverberated nationwide. The Lemon Law legislation was designed to protect consumers from fraud and abuse by auto manufacturers.

Many of these interviews are also available in our Oral history digital collection.