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Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections
The Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections (LLMVC) documents the history and culture of this region. The largest accumulation of materials on Louisiana and the lower Mississippi Valley in existence, LLMVC includes a comprehensive collection of books, periodicals, maps, prints, pamphlets, Louisiana state documents, and microfilm of Louisiana newspapers. What is now the manuscript component of the Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections was initiated in 1935 when LSU history professor Edwin Davis began systematically to collect the papers of the families that settled and prospered in the lower Mississippi Valley. Recognizing the role of the Mississippi River as the shaper of the land it drains -- from the contours of the land to the culture, economy, and politics of the communities that draw sustenance from it -- Davis endeavored to document and preserve the rich history and culture of the region. In 1985, these manuscript collections combined with the Louisiana Collection of books, periodicals, and maps to become the Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections. More than 5000 manuscript groups encompassing over 10 million items are preserved in LLMVC. Recognized as one of the nation's premier repositories for materials relating to the antebellum plantation, Civil War, and Reconstruction South, LLMVC includes the papers of individuals and families, records of plantations, merchants and financial institutions, and the records of political, social, and labor organizations. The most important of these collections relate specifically to the families and enterprises in the Lower Mississippi Valley, from Memphis to New Orleans, and are especially strong in the Natchez, St. Francisville, and Baton Rouge areas. The French and Spanish colonial periods in the region are also documented. LLMVC continues to acquire 18th- and 19th century manuscripts, as well as substantial collections of 20th century materials that relate to the region's social, economic, political, cultural, literary, and military history. Subject guides to the manuscripts collections are available, as are some complete findings aids. In addition to its rich manuscript collections, LLMVC includes more than 120,000 volumes of books, periodicals, maps, newspapers, and other published material. Complementing these textual materials are more than 200,000 historic photographs. LLMVC relies on donations from individuals, families, and organizations papers to build and enhance its research holdings. The LLMVC welcomes donations or printed materials, manuscripts, and photographs in its collecting areas. For more information about donating materials in general, please consult our donation information page. If you have materials that may be appropriate for inclusion in LLMVC, please contact one of the curators to discuss a donation.
For additional information about the contents or use of the LLMVC, submit an electronic reference request.
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