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World War II Resources in the Norwich Archives: Introduction

Introduction

This guide is intended to help familiarize researchers with resources related to the Second World War available in the Norwich University Archives & Special Collections. This is meant as a starting point from which researchers can begin and not a comprehensive list of all of World War II resources in the Archives. The focus is on collections that document the role of Norwich University and its alumni in the World War II.

Structure

This guide is divided into several sections:

General resources: Published histories of Norwich University and quick links to exploring Norwich's historical collections online.

University History: Timeline and general information about Norwich in World War II.

Personal and Family Collections: Letters, diaries, and other personal papers donated to the Norwich Archives.

University Records: Collections received from university departments and offices related to Norwich's operations during the war, including campus publications.

Rare books: Our "Special Collections" consisting of rare, published material related to Norwich or military history.

Other Archives: Tips for expanding archival research beyond the Norwich Archives.

 

After reviewing this guide, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions about archival research or need contact a further assistance in locating additional resources.

Getting Started with Archival Research

The word "archives" may be broadly defined in several ways but most often means records created or accumulated by one person, family, or organization and preserved because of their continuing value.

Learn what archives are and how they're organized

Slide introducing what archives are

Finding Aids

Finding aids are used by researchers discover and evaluate the potential usefulness of archival collections. They are the archives’ equivalent of a library book's catalog record or table of contents.

Walk through a finding aid using an example from the Norwich Archives

Finding aids introductory slide

Note

This guide was last updated by Gail Wiese in December 2023.