Learn about the kinds of material that you can find at Laurier Archives and Special Collections. Laurier Archives and Special Collections acquires, preserves, and makes accessible the historic, academic, and cultural heritage of Wilfrid Laurier University and its predecessor organizations.In addition, we also collect archival material and rare books in support of teaching, learning, and research at Laurier. Our core areas of strength are the environmental conservation movement in Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and its Eastern Synod, music in Waterloo Region, the history of Waterloo Region, and Canadian polling data.University RecordsLaurier Archives and Special Collections is the official repository for the historic records of Wilfrid Laurier University and its predecessor organizations. These records include the minutes of the Senate and Board of Governors as well as academic calendars, press releases and other official publications.In addition, we also document student life by acquiring student publications and the records of select student organizations as well as papers and memorabilia of select students and alumni which relate directly to their experiences at Laurier. Description of PhotoA crowd of fans cheering for the Laurier Golden Hawks during a football game at Seagram Stadium in 1988. They are releasing purple and yellow balloons into the air. Fans sitting in the front row have Wilfrid Laurier or WLU painted on their legs in purple and yellow.Photo is from the Wilfrid Laurier University Photograph Collection.Environmental Conservation Movement in CanadaLaurier Archives and Special Collections acquires records relating to the environmental conservation movement in Canada, with an emphasis on water resources, biosphere reserves and the management of Canada’s northern resources.Our collections include the records of national environmental organizations and local conservation organizations as well as the personal papers of environmental activists and scholars who study the environment and resource management in Canada.Evangelical Lutheran Church in CanadaLaurier Archives and Special Collections acquires the records of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and its Eastern Synod as well as those of Martin Luther University College.Description of PhotoA sign at the entrance to Camp Edgewood in 1970. This Lutheran summer camp was located in Eden Mills, near Guelph, ON, and was operated by the Eastern Canada Synod of the Lutheran Church in America. A gravel road stretches into the distance behind the sign.Photo is from the Edgewood Camp and Conference Centre fonds.History of Waterloo RegionLaurier Archives and Special Collections selectively acquires records which document the history of Waterloo Region including the personal papers of prominent area residents and organizational records of local community groups.Music in Waterloo RegionLaurier Archives and Special Collections acquires select records documenting music in Waterloo Region, including the papers of community music organizations as well as local composers and performers.Rare BooksThe rare book collection consists of manuscripts, printed books, and serials which support the existing thematic strengths of our archival and special collections.Description of PhotoThis medieval hymnal with noted portions of the Mass was created in northern Italy around 1450-1475 for Franciscan use. The manuscript is resting on a book pillow and is open to the first folio. The first letter of the hymn is illuminated.Reference CollectionThe reference collection consists of books and other published materials which supplement and support our archival and special collections holdings. In addition, this collection also includes books published by the Wilfrid Laurier University Press.Canadian Polling DataLaurier Archives and Special Collections collects polling data and interpretive reports from Ipsos Canada.