Archives and Special Collections: Home

Archives are collections of information – known as records. These come in many forms such as: books, letters, reports, minutes, registers, maps, audio visual materials, digital files, and more.

So what does that mean?

The DMU Archives contain the history of Des Moines University as well as Osteopathic Medicine spanning over its 100 years of existence. This collection is open to the public for anyone who wishes to utilize it for research by appointment. These records come in many formats including paper, photographs, DVDs, film, art, and more.

Our rare books and archival materials do not circulate, nor are they available through interlibrary loan.

Materials in the historical book collection may be used in the Kendall Reed Rare Book Room which is located in the University Library, on the second floor of the Student Education Center.

The Kendall Reed Rare Book Room, located at 3200 Grand Ave, Des Moines IA, and houses our archives. Please make an appointment if you would like to view items or discuss a related research project.