Special Collections and Archives - Collections

Special Collections

Regional Collections

Our regional collections are searchable through our on-line database.

Special Collections and Archives contains approximately 500 linear feet of materials dealing with the history, literature, culture and folk life of Southeast Missouri and the Mississippi River Valley Region. Collection subject strengths include the architectural history of Cape Girardeau County, and the economic development of Southeast Missouri. Among the most significant regional history collections are the papers of railroad entrepreneur Louis Houck. Houck was responsible for much of the railroad building in Southeast Missouri, and for laying the first railroad track into the city of Cape Girardeau. Other notable collections include the Julien Friant Papers, the papers of socialist poet H. H. Lewis, and the records of the Himmelberger-Harrison Lumber Company. Special Collections also has a growing collection of books on regional history topics and on historic preservation. Patrons can locate these works by searching the Kent Library catalog.