The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) is excited to present another entry in our Archives Neighbors blog series. SCRC has recently had the opportunity to visit with some of our neighbor archives in the Northern Virginia-D.C. Metro area. In this series, we’re recapping these new connections with members of our local archival community, providing insights into the lessons we learned, and highlighting some of our favorite experiences from each of these visits.
University of Richmond Book Arts and takeaway display (left), anteroom of VCU’s Cabell Room (center), and Zine infographic from VMFA reading room (right)
On May 21, 2026, SCRC staff made the trip about two hours south of Fairfax to visit some of our slightly more distant archives neighbors in Richmond, Virginia. We had a busy day, with stops at three institutions, starting at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Special Collections & Archives. Our tour included visits to the reading room, stacks, and processing area, and views of their alternate storage/shelving arrangements, and a preview of their plans for book arts and a makers space.
Some of our favorite details from The Cabell Room
SCRC staff and students always love seeing our neighbors processing and closed stacks spaces (and the opportunity to be a bit nosy!)
“I had a blast visiting our Richmond archives neighbors with SCRC. It was incredibly educational and enlightening, and I really enjoyed seeing faces new and old. I was particularly impressed by VCU Special Collections – the thoughtful layout of their research services, closed stacks, work areas, and library as a whole was astonishing to me. You can really tell they consulted archivists when designing the space!” – Amanda, SCRC Manuscripts & Archives Librarian
A few of our favorite highlights: an ivory anatomical manikin (left), volumes of the International Society of Copier Art (center), and medical scales being displayed by Senior Curator for the Health Sciences Margaret Kidd (right).
Our next stop was the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) Archives, where we got to tour their special collections storage and view some highlights from their collections, including a closer look their Zines.
SCRC staff were treated to a display of collection highlights during our tour of the VMFA Archives storage areas (right top and bottom) after getting a look at their collection guide zine (left)
“It has been a dream of ours to create a book arts lab in GMU libraries, so getting to see the project plans at VCU and the fantastic work happening at the University of Richmond was incredibly inspiring. The VMFA’s zines and makers box especially inspired us with ideas for promotional materials and future programs.” – Mieko, SCRC Research Services Librarian
Materials for use in the reading room, including a display of zines (left) and an interactive collage space (top right), and one the highlights from the behind the scenes tour: homemade pinhole cameras (bottom right)
And our trip wasn’t over yet! We ended our amazing day with a visit to the Book Arts, Archives, and Rare Books division of the University of Richmond’s Boatwright Library where we got another tour of the closed stacks (which we can never get enough of!) and got to view an exhibit of library materials, which included the Robert Frost books a student “held hostage” until they improved collections facilities (see photos below!). We also learned about the programming they offer to students on-site, including making the work of book arts/printing visible, and got to tour their amazing book arts lab space.
Some of the exhibited materials from the University of Richmond collections, including a cuneiform tablet (left) and illuminated manuscript (top right).
Highlight from the rare book display on “Literary Cats”(left), historic printing press outside the reading room (center), and display of “Free VHS Tapes” available for students (right)
Selections from the Robert Frost display, including background on the story behind the two books
Book arts lab at University of Richmond where SCRC staff had the opportunity to use their letterpress printer!
Everyone at SCRC extends a huge thank you to everyone at VCU, VMFA, and University of Richmond for a truly amazing day! Stay tuned for more highlights from these exciting visits as we continue to strengthen our connections with our “Archives Neighbors.”
Follow SCRC on Social Media and look out for future posts on our Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky accounts. To search the collections held at Special Collections Research Center, go to our website and browse the finding aids by subject or title. You may also e-mail us at speccoll@gmu.edu or call 703-993-2220 if you would like to schedule an appointment, request materials, or if you have questions.
