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The University Archives and Manuscript Collection at the University of Lousiana at Lafayette. University Collections, Manuscripts, and Rare Books.

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Which of these formats do you remember using?

Explore six milestones in the evolution of audiovisual media and discover how each helped preserve our history.

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Discover your roots in our Genealogy Collection at the Jefferson Caffery Reading Room.

Strong in Cajun ancestry, if you have a Cajun surname, you’ll likely find family connections here. Start with Rev. Donald Hebert’s books and explore church, DAR, and Confederate records.

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New in the Jefferson Caffery Reading Room, a Nursing Department wheelchair from the SLI era (1920s–1950s).

A glimpse into past medical care, and how far it’s come.

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New in the Jefferson Caffery Reading Room, a Nursing Department wheelchair from the SLI era (1920s–1950s).

A glimpse into past medical care, and how far it’s come.

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Inside The Vermilion, we found The Squirmilion, a 1930s satirical student paper at UL Lafayette.

A reminder that even 90 years ago, students used humor to navigate campus life.

Some things never change.

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Did you know? 📼🏈

Before smartphones, football games were recorded on VHS so teams could review their plays. Our archives preserve historic UL Lafayette game tapes, and you can watch them in our reading room!

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In honor of our current Lap Desk exhibit, here are some fun facts that examine the practical uses, design features, and technological significance of lap desks in the 18th and 19th centuries.

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Discover 18th–19th century lap desks donated by UL Lafayette alumnus George Newton. These portable writing boxes, made from fine woods with concealed compartments, are exhibited in Special Collections and are freely available for viewing through July 2026.

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Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from UL Special Collections! 🎄✨

We’ll be closed Dec 20, 2025–Jan 4, 2026, and reopen Jan 5.

Beautiful artwork by our student aides Vivian & Avery, great job!

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Have any questions about Special Collections? We got answers!

Whether you’re a first-time researcher, a student working on a project, or a community member curious about our archives, our Special Collections FAQs are here to guide you!

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Visiting Special Collections?
Discover Louisiana history & Cajun culture — and help protect it!
Special Collections Checklist:
To start your research journey, call [phone] or fill out the “Make an Appointment” form on the Dupré Library website under Special Collections.

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Dr. Zachary G. Stein will join co-author Dr. Michael S. Martin at the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge to discuss University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a pictorial journey through 125 years of UL history.

Nov. 1 | 9:00–9:45 AM
LA State Library, 2nd Floor Meeting Room

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Come visit us in Special Collections on the 3rd Floor after Academic Trick-or-Treating! Explore our archives and see if you can uncover any of Dupré Library’s haunted secrets, you never know what surprises are waiting inside the pages of a book!

Thursday, October 30, 2025

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Book signing with Dr. Zack Stein and Dr. Michael Martin in the Jefferson Caffery Reading Room Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 between 5pm - 7pm.

Come and stop by!

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Did You Know?

You can’t check out Special Collections, but you can photograph or scan materials! Protecting the originals while giving you access.

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UL Lafayette’s first yearbook, L’Acadien, was published in 1912. Today, these volumes connect generations as families and alumni discover their roots in the University’s story.

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Looking for Louisiana history or genealogy? Our Polk Directories are a hidden gem, packed with names, addresses, occupations & more. Covering major cities from 1946–2000s, they’re a powerful tool to uncover someone or somewhere specific in Louisiana. #Genealogy #LouisianaHistory

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Calling all Louisiana Veterans!

Special Collections is creating the collection "Louisiana Veterans: Oral History." Share your story & help preserve history for future generations.

[email protected] or [phone]

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This graph shows the University’s journey up to 1975, when it was known as USL. The milestones come from a "USL Sustaining Fund" pamphlet celebrating its growth, now preserved in our archives.

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Kicking off the Fall semester, we’re showcasing a new exhibit on 127 years of University history, its achievements, legacy, and treasures. Stop by the Jefferson Caffery Reading Room in Dupré Library to explore!