Special Collections & Archives: Rare Books & Manuscripts

The Hans P. Kraus Collection (RB001) comprises rare European volumes from the Interwar Period and represents a large sample of Jewish authors, illustrators, artists, and poets who were persecuted and held in the concentration camps of World War II -- along with Kraus himself.  These volumes were collected by Kraus after his release from the camps and subsequent escape to the United States, in order to preserve the legacies of those artists, writers, and creatives with whom he was imprisoned.

The Native American Rare Books Collection (RB002) consists of several unique volumes of Native American history, especially in regards to New York State and nationwide historical events.

The Spiritualism Collection (RB003) of books consists of several rare volumes regarding the history of Spiritualism, especially its localized presence in Chautauqua county at the town of Lily Dale.

University Collections Rare Books (RB004) are rare volumes that are a part of one or more of our University Collections archival collections, but are kept separately from the rest of their collection for preservation purposes.

Local & Regional History Rare Books (RB005), similar to University Collections Rare Books, are rare volumes that are a part of a Local History Collection, Regional History Collection, or Village of Fredonia collection, but are kept separate from the rest of the collection for preservation purposes.

The Zweig Book Collection (RB006) contains copies of publications authored by Stefan Zweig, including many first editions, as well as books published about Zweig or publications that used parts of the Stefan Zweig Collection in their research.  This collection has an international language scope, and is actively growing with regular new acquisitions.

In addition to these collections, there are many individual rare volumes (RB007) that cover a variety of topics, geographical and chronological origins, and book styles. For a closer look at our Rare Book volumes, please make a Research Appointment Request, contact us to request a tour, or check out our social media feeds.

Several examples of manuscripts exist throughout all facets of our collections, including Signature Collections, University Collections, and the Chautauqua County History Collections, as well as several Individual Manuscripts with no topical or provenance relations to other collections in the Special Collections & Archives division.

There are several specialized book collections available for research and limited circulation, including:

The Western New York Books Collection (SC001), which covers the published history of Western New York;

The Western New York Authors Collection (SC002), which includes publications from a variety of Western New York authors throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with a focus on Chautauqua County Authors;

The SUNY Fredonia Publications Collection (SC003), which includes publications originated from SUNY Fredonia faculty, students, and alumni through the years and is part of the broader University Collections; 

The Holland Land Company Books Collection (SC004), which comprises historical and biographical volumes about the members, organization, activity, and history of the Holland Land Company; and,

Oversized Special Collections Books (SC005), which include a variety of subjects and publication types.