War Memorabilia collection

The War Memorabilia collection includes a wide range of materials documenting military history and conflicts, particularly the American Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. The collection features correspondence, photographs, publications, and memorabilia, such as letters from soldiers, military orders, and personal accounts. Highlights include correspondence from the Civil War era, documentation of naval battles, and photographs of significant military figures like General Robert E. Lee and General William Tecumseh Sherman.

The collection also contains rare magazines and publications, such as "Scribner's Magazine," and documents related to civilian defense during World War II, including air raid warden guides and gas protection pamphlets. The materials are predominantly in English and are organized by war or thematic focus, with notable sections on chemical warfare, military engineering, and commemorative items. The collection provides a comprehensive view of military and civilian experiences during key historical conflicts

The Durkee/Blackdon family letters covering military and personal family matters from 1771-1802 and 1862-1893 which were donated by Miss Florence Durkee of Brea, California in manuscript box 10 have been moved into a new collection: Durkee-Blackden Family Correspondence (2026-05-27).