Special Collections

Materials in the Special Collections supplement the Archives, and reflect the University's tradition of women's leadership and Catholic social teaching.  These materials include the artwork of Ade Bethune and other Catholic women artists; manuscripts of women liturgists, scholars, and writers; the records of several social justice organizations; and our rare book collections.

Rare Book Collections

Explore our rare book holdings in LibSearch!

Sister Jeanne d'Arc Hurley

The Hurley Collection is named as a memorial for Sister Jeanne d'Arc Hurley, CSJ, a former St. Catherine University faculty member. Catherine and Marcella Hurley gave the collection to honor their sister. The collection is comprised primarily of miniature books. It also contains some rare books and books illustrating various styles of printing.

Sister Antonia McHugh

The Sister Antonia McHugh Collection contains works of literary merit which have been autographed. Works of local authors and/or authors connected with St. Kate's are emphasized.

Evelyn Goodrow Mitsch

The Evelyn Goodrow Mitsch Collection is a gift of the Mitsch family through the eldest son, given in memory of their mother. It is a collection of books and scrapbooks on China and Japan by Asian and Western authors. Also included are examples of Evelyn Mitsch's work as an artist and brush writer. The collection is housed in two cases, also gifts of the family.

Florence and Alfred Muellerleile

The Florence and Alfred Muellerleile Collection is comprised of books collected by Mr. Muellerleile, a master printer, publisher, and president and owner of North Central Publishing. Included are books on printing and on printers, both old and modern, and a collection of Christmas editions. Also in the collection are rare and precious Bibles and incunabula.

Ruth Sawyer

The Ruth Sawyer Collection includes children's books, including a nearly complete set of Ruth Sawyer's own writings, many Caldecott and Newbery award winners, and many books of folktales. [more info]

Charlotte Hill Slade

When Georgiana Slade Reny gave St. Kate's her mother's collection of rare books, it was decided to name the entire collection after her mother, Charlotte Hill Slade. The Slade Collection contains examples of fine binding, printing, first and limited editions, children's hornbooks, and many older works. Also included are gifts from miscellaneous donors, including art books from Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Niemeyer. A highlight of the Slade Collection is a group of one hundred and thirty-five first editions of Anthony Trollope's novels, including eleven signed presentation copies.