Skip to Main Content

Introduction to Duke University History

Resources for learning about Duke University history.

Want $1000 for your research paper?

Submit it for consideration for the Chester P. Middlesworth Awards! 

To be eligible, your paper must be based on primary sources held by the Rubenstein Library.

Contact the Duke University Archives!

Duke University Archives

at the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Visit our website!

Ask Us

Using this LibGuide

Construction of Duke Chapel, 1931This guide is designed to introduce researchers to resources on Duke University history.

The information in this guide is separated into six sections. Please use the tabs at left to navigate to each section. Links to relevant digitized materials are included in each section.

  • Secondary Sources: Books and other publications about Duke University history.
  • Archival Collections: A selection of introductory archival collections containing documentation on frequently-researched topics. This should not be understood as containing a comprehensive list of University Archives collections.
  • Duke University's Presidents: secondary sources and archival collections related to Duke's presidents.
  • Photographs, Audio Recordings, and Film / Video
  • Campus Publications: Key publications produced for Duke students, faculty, staff, and alumni, which provide excellent contemporaneous accounts of campus events and dialogues.
  • Related Websites & Other Online Resources: Links to Duke University departments able to provide historical information about specified topics, or links to other websites providing useful information related to Duke's history.

After reviewing this guide, please contact a University Archives staff member if you need further assistance in locating additional resources.

Accessing Duke University Archives Materials

The Duke University Archives, part of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, is the official repository for the historical records of Duke University. Visit our website to learn more about us!

The materials described in this guide may be used in the Rubenstein Library's reading room.

Please note that university administrative records are restricted for 25 years, except with written permission from the office that created the records. Board of Trustees records are restricted for 50 years, except with written permission from the Board of Trustees. Find more information about University Archives access policies.

Helpful Links:

Helpful Subject Headings

The subject headings below will gather together Duke Libraries resources that may be relevant to your research. Clicking on these subject headings will search the entire Duke Libraries catalog.

To narrow the list of results to materials located in the Duke University Archives, select "University Archives" under the Location menu on the lefthand side of the page.