State History Collections

Special Collections maintains a number of archival collections and records documenting the state’s history. Many of the collections below are supplemented and complemented by related departmental collections, including monographic and serial items.
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Hampton Dunn Collections

Description: Journalist, author, and historian Henry Hampton Dunn authored numerous books and articles related to Florida history, politics, and culture. The Hampton Dunn collections comprise a number of Dunn’s writings as well as photographs, postcards, brochures, and related materials that detail Florida’s rich history. Click here to access the collection’s finding aid. Click here to access the Hampton Dunn Collection of Florida Postcards Digital Collection. Click here to access the Hampton Dunn Photouring Florida Digital Collection.

Federal Writers’ Project collection

Image of FL Slave Narrative Text Dates: 1936-1948 Extent: 9 boxes Description: Photocopied correspondence, manuscripts, newspaper clippings, and interviews with African American residents of Florida. Highlights of the collection include compelling interviews with formerly enslaved individuals, as documented by the Works Progress Administration Federal Writers’ Project from 1936-1938. Narratives describe the lives of African Americans who were enslaved during their childhood and teenage years. The collection is presented with the permission and cooperation of the Florida Historical Society, owner of the original documents. Click here to access the collection’s finding aid. Click here to access the Narratives of Formerly Enslaved Floridians Digital Collection.

Florida Restaurant Menus Collection

Dates: mid-late 20th century Extent: 3 linear feet (4 boxes) Description: Ephemeral collection of menus from numerous Florida restaurants. Click here to access the collection’s finding aid.

Florida Library Association Records

Dates: 1905-present Extent: 84 linear feet Description:The Florida Library Association (FLA) serves to provide leadership, educational opportunities, and guidance for Florida’s libraries and library workers. Records include papers of past FLA presidents, board and committee documents, conference programs, legislative actions, and newsletters. Click here to access the collection’s finding aid. Visit the Florida Library Association’s website at http://www.flalib.org »