George A. Spiva Library

Rare book and Archive collections represent the cultural attainments of humankind and are important components of the library. A Graduate Professional Archivist and trained support Staff meet the archival information needs of faculty, students, staff and various community members by teaching them how to locate, interpret and effectively evaluate the various collections stored in Archives.

HOURS

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm

An appointment is recommended.

Please email the archivist, Mr. Charles E. Nodler
or call him at: 417-625-9552.

Guide to Missouri Southern State University Archives Collections

Guide to Missouri Southern State University Historical Manuscript Collections

Notable Collections

Arrell Gibson Collection -Dr. Gibson was a graduate of Joplin Junior College and taught at the University of Oklahoma. The Arrell Gibson Collection includes literary manuscripts, personal correspondence, photos and old letters used in his writings. Dr. Gibson also donated a large number of books on the American West and American Indian history.

Fred Hughes Collection -Mr. Hughes was the first President of the Board of Regents and Trustees of Missouri Southern. His papers cover the history of MSSU from the formation of the Four Year College Committee in 1964 to the selection of Dr. Julio Leon as institution president in 1983. In addition to his papers, Mr. Hughes donated his personal library which included many books related to the American Civil War.

Daniel Stewart Collection -Mr. Stewart worked in the Tri-State District (MO, KS, OK), as a geologist, for over 21 years. His collection consists of over 1,000 maps, reports on mining in the Tri-State District and books relating to geology and mining. The collection has a lot of information on lead and zinc mining of the area, particularly to mines operated by the American Zinc Lead and Smelting Company.

Gene Taylor Collection -This collection consists of Congressman Taylor’s papers from the years he represented Missouri’s Seventh Congressional District in the House of Representatives. Categories of materials include speeches, general correspondence, departmental correspondence, legislative correspondence, letters from government officials (including Presidents of the United States) and the Congressman’s correspondence to and from his constituents.

**Mining Maps -contains maps and drill logs for lead and zinc mines in the Tri State Mining District (covering parts of Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma). The maps are classified by section number, state and mine names and provide detailed locations of mine shafts and drilling activities in the area.

**Available to view online