Kean University Special Collections Research Library and Archive

Kean University Special Collections Research Library and Archive We are open 9-5 during the semester!! Documents are added frequently and in-person visits are welcomed.

The Special Collections Research Library and Archive, known as SCRLA, offers 5 centuries of primary source documents to make your research projects stand out. Located in the Liberty Hall Academic Center, on the stunning historic site of New Jersey’s first elected Governor, William Livingston, the research experience offers access to digital materials and one-on-one support from our SCRLA Associate

s on New Jersey and global topics. SCRLA advocates for the use of world-class primary sources for research and scholarship, exhibitions, curriculum support, and continuous learning. Groups larger than 10 people require 3 weeks' notice to ensure availability and coverage.

Eighty years ago, student Adelbert Berry became the first Black student-elected Student Council president at our school....
05/01/2026

Eighty years ago, student Adelbert Berry became the first Black student-elected Student Council president at our school. Berry later became the first Black administrator at the Robert Treat School and was subsequently promoted to acting principal in the 1960s.

Did you know that Eleanor Roosevelt herself was present on our campus? Sixty-seven years ago, on April 30th, 1959, Mrs. ...
04/30/2026

Did you know that Eleanor Roosevelt herself was present on our campus? Sixty-seven years ago, on April 30th, 1959, Mrs. Roosevelt delivered a lecture entitled, “Is America Facing World Leadership?” that was a part of the M. Ernest Townsend Memorial Lecture Series. The former first lady spoke about the post-WWII economy, as well as the ways that America could use its resources to be a source of global leadership. She was also presented with the Union County Golden Key by the mayor of Union.

(Source: The Reflector, May 11, 1959)

03/30/2026

Spoof issue!!

In honor of Women’s History Month, SCRLA remembers an important event on this day exactly 42 years ago! On March 3, 1984...
03/03/2026

In honor of Women’s History Month, SCRLA remembers an important event on this day exactly 42 years ago! On March 3, 1984, Carol Wincenc and Heidi Lehwalder paid a visit to our school to deliver a beautiful music performance. A flutist and harpist duo respectively, Wincenc and Lehwalder performed in Wilkins Theatre from 3-8pm. People who experienced their music together described them as being “beautifully attuned to each other” and as exhibiting “exquisite musicianship.”

Regarded as the “queen of the flute,” Carol Wincenc was the winner of the Naumburg Solo Flute Competition in 1978. Her partner, Heidi Lehwalder, was also a decorated musician, and was one of the first recipients of the prestigious Avery Fisher Prize. Together, they charmed audiences with their beautiful music and dedication to their craft.

(Source: The Independent, February 23, 1984)

Happy Women’s History Month! We are kicking off our posts this month by introducing all of you to a very important woman...
03/01/2026

Happy Women’s History Month! We are kicking off our posts this month by introducing all of you to a very important woman in our collection here at SCRLA.

Florence Price Dwyer was a New Jersey Congresswoman who served from January 3, 1957, through January 3, 1973. SCRLA houses her congressional papers in our stacks, which include congressional bills, letters, photographs, speeches, and reports to the people.

During her time in office, she was one of the few women serving in Congress. Her career reflects both the challenges and accomplishments of women in public service during the mid-20th century. Through her papers, researchers can explore not only her legislative priorities, but also the voices of those she represented and the impact of her work on New Jersey and beyond.

On February 27, 1992, the Africana Studies program at Kean sponsored a memorial for Alex Haley, author of “Roots.” The p...
02/27/2026

On February 27, 1992, the Africana Studies program at Kean sponsored a memorial for Alex Haley, author of “Roots.” The program was held in the Alumni Lounge in Downs Hall, and pictures were shown of Juffure, the village from which Haley came from and which he featured in his book.

Haley’s book is recognized for bringing the brutal reality of American slavery and the African American struggle for identity to the forefront of national consciousness. It also sparked an increased interest in family history and genealogy, especially among Black Americans.

(Source: The Independent, March 12, 1992)

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