Special Collections and Archives
Special Collections and Archives
We acquire, preserve, and provide access to primary sources and rare materials that support the teaching and research programs of Kent State University. The collections, totaling nearly 21,000 cubic feet, are comprised of sources in all formats including manuscripts, archival materials, and 135,000 books and periodicals. To learn more about our collections, please view our Spotlight on Special Collections exhibit.
News

Echoes of Impact: Presenting the Alan Canfora Collection
Alan Canfora was one of nine students wounded on May 4, 1970, when the Ohio National Guard shot into a crowd of students demonstrating against the Vietnam War at Kent State University. He played an integral role in seeking the truth about the events of that day, as well as seeking justice for those who were slain or wounded. Over the course of his life, Alan was acknowledged as a prominent activist of the May 4 Movement.
For decades, Canfora amassed an extensive collection of materials related to the Kent State Shootings and their aftermath, which was donated to Special Collections and Archives after his passing in 2020; this exhibit serves as a small sampling of that collection. (Curated by Project Archivist, Savannah Gould)