Whitman College and Northwest Archives

The Whitman College and Northwest Archives curates materials that document the history of Whitman College and the Walla Walla region as well as rare books and other special collections housed in Penrose Library. The archives collects, preserves, provides access to, and promotes the use of these materials for teaching, learning, and research.

Archival Collections at Whitman have a long history. A significant portion of our Northwest History collections were donated by Myron Eells in 1907. For a time, these collections were managed as part of the Whitman Museum. Under the direction of College Librarian Ruth Reynolds, Northwest Manuscript materials as well as College Records began to be stored and processed in Penrose Library. Dedicated staff were assigned to manage the Northwest Collections and Archival Materials beginning in the 1960s.

Today, the Archives houses over 4800 linear feet of archival material and a collection of approximately 8,000 rare books.

Open for drop in research Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1-4 p.m. Open Monday & Friday by appointment only.

Closed on college holidays.