Find manuscripts
About manuscript collections
Our manuscript collections document the politics, people, arts and culture, social conditions, businesses, and activities of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. These archives date from the 19th to the 21st century, with the bulk representing the last half of the 20th century.
Collection strengths
- African American and civil rights history
- City planning and urban development
- LGBTQ+ history (including the King Henry Brockington LGBTQ Archive)
- Education
- Politics
What will you find in manuscript collections?
Manuscripts are documents and other materials that have been created or received by individuals, families, and organizations in the conduct of their affairs that document their transactions, ideas, decisions, or discussions.
Types of materials found in manuscript collections include:
- Correspondence and memoranda
- Diaries and journals
- Ledgers and account books
- Agendas and minutes
- Reports
- Literary creations
- Legal documents
- Photographs and audiovisual materials
- Memorabilia and ephemera
- Scrapbooks
About finding aids
Finding aids provide detailed information on the contents of manuscript collections. Finding aids for our manuscript collections are available for online browsing and keyword searching. You can also explore a list of manuscript collection summaries organized by subject. These finding aids do not link to online collections -- they help you find physical collections you may be interested in. The collections can then be requested in the reading room on the 10th floor of the library.