Birmingham Public Library now home to BSC Archives Collection

Birmingham-Southern College is closed, but it is not forgotten. Last week, the Birmingham Public Library Department of Archives and Manuscripts announced that it is now home to the BSC archives collection.

BSC archives collection now at the Birmingham Public Library Archives Department

Since the closure of Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) on May 31, 2024, the college’s remaining staff have worked diligently to find new homes for items collected during BSC’s 168-year history. In June, the college worked with Hanna’s Estate Services to host an online sale and auction of numerous items, from books and trophies to massive chandeliers—and everything in between.

However, one group of items was missing from the sale and auction—the BSC Archives Collection, consisting of records and memorabilia documenting the history of BSC.

The BSC Archives Collection is now in the possession of the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) Department of Archives and Manuscripts.

Located in the Linn-Henley Research Library in downtown Birmingham, the BPL Department of Archives and Manuscripts serves as the archive for countless public and private organizations, with more than 30,000,000 documents and 500,000 photographs in its collection.

According to a BPL press release, the BSC Archives Collection includes (but is not limited to):

• A full set of yearbooks from Southern University through BSC 2024
• Publications like newsletters, bulletins, handbooks, surveys and annual reports
• Photographs of the grounds, alumni reunions, theater productions and sports teams
• Published theses 

Want to see something from the BSC archives collection?

Since the BSC Archives Collection is being held offsite, the BPL Department of Archives needs at least 24 hours advance notice to arrange transport of the requested boxes. There is a $5 transfer fee per box.

A full inventory of items in the BSC Archives Collection is available upon request. To request an inventory list or schedule an appointment:

• Call the BPL Department of Archives at 205.226.3630 OR
• Fill out the Archival Response Form

• BPL Department of Archives and Manuscripts: 205.226.3630 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Location: Linn-Henley Research Library, 2100 Park Pl, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9AM—6PM by appointment only

Glad to see the BSC Archives Collection find a new home? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!