Special Collections

Materials in the Special Collections supplement the Archives, and reflect the University's tradition of women's leadership and Catholic social teaching.

Includes women artists, liturgists, scholars, and writers

Ade Bethune Collection
Anne M. Butler Collection on Catholic Sisters in the American West
Carol Dittberner Collection on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Abigail Quigley McCarthy Papers
Therese Mueller Papers
Gertrud Mueller Nelson Papers

Mary Ellen Chase Papers 
Norita Dittberner-Jax Papers 
Edna St. Vincent Millay Papers (see also: digital exhibit) 
May Sarton Papers 
Ruth Sawyer Papers (see also: digital exhibit and Ruth Sawyer Collection)

Catholic Interracial Council of the Twin Cities Records (see also: digital exhibit)
Louise Edwards-Simpson Papers on the Voices of Homelessness Project
Minnesota Metro Women's International League for Peace and Freedom Arts Committee Records
Women Against Military Madness Records (in process)

Explore our rare book holdings in LibSearch!

Sister Jeanne d'Arc Hurley Collection

Miniature books and rare books that illustrate various styles of printing. A gift of Catherine and Marcella Hurley in memory of St. Kate's faculty member and their sister, Jeanne d'Arc Hurley, CSJ.

Sister Antonia McHugh Collection

First editions and autographed copies of works of literary merit, with an emphasis on local authors and authors with a connection to St. Kate's. Named in honor of the first president of St. Kate's.

Evelyn Goodrow Mitsch Collection

Books and scrapbooks on China and Japan by Asian and Western authors. Also includes examples of Evelyn Mitsch's work as an artist and brush writer, as well as her collection of reproduction brass rubbing plates. A gift of the Mitsch family.

Florence and Alfred Muellerleile Collection

Books on printers and printing, both old and modern, including rare and precious Bibles and incunabula. Originally the personal library of Alfred Muellerleile, a master printer and the president and owner of North Central Publishing. Also includes limited edition Christmas books printed by North Central Publishing, 1947-1971.

Ruth Sawyer Collection

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

Charlotte Hill Slade Collection 

Our largest rare book collection, featuring fine binding and printing, first and limited editions, children's hornbooks, and many older works. Originally the personal library of Charlotte Hill Slade, it was donated to St. Kate's by her daughter, Georgiana Slade Reny. Includes additional gifts, such as art books from Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Niemeyer. A highlight of the collection is the 135 first editions of Anthony Trollope's novels, including eleven signed presentation copies.