Archives and Special Collections Subject Guide: Education

The collection consists of correspondence exchanged between Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees,1919 -1947, Mr. Albert W. Staub and AUB President Bayard Dodge and George B. Stewart, discussing various administrative affairs and developments of the college. (AUB History, Education)
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The Collection comprises Reverend Daniel Bliss, founder and first president of the Syrian Protestant College (SPC) (1866-1902), correspondence with AUB Community and other coordinates, his diaries, addresses, and letters of condolences 1916. (AUB History, American Missionaries, Education, Arab American Relations, Ottoman Period)
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The Collection of Dr. Howard Bliss, (1860-1920), missionary educator, 2nd president of the Syrian Protestant College (1903-1920), and member of the Syrian delegation to the Paris Peace Conference, 1919, comprises Bliss correspondence with David Stuart Dodge (Chairman of the SPC BOT), Turkish officials, American Consulate, faculty members and others. (AUB History, American Missionaries, Education, Ottoman Period)
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The George Edward Post (1838-1909) collection, professor of surgery and botany at the Syrian Protestant College (1868-1909), includes Post’s correspondence with international botanists, manuscripts, plant lists etc. during his tenure at the Syrian Protestant College (AUB). (AUB History, American Missionaries, Botany).
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This collection includes documents related to Bayard Dodge’s, (1888-1972), tenure at AUB, as Director of West Hall and as the third President of the University, 1923 -1948. This collection includes documents related to his scholarship and teaching activities, as well as correspondence, letters of condolences, background research materials, and drafts of, his books Al-Azhar and Al- Fihrist (translation). (AUB History, Education, Arab American Relations, French Mandate)
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This collection includes documents related to Stephen Penrose (1908-1954.) service at AUB, as the fourth president between 1948 and 1954, list of his publications, biographical information, personal correspondence, inauguration ceremony leaflets, financial campaign, conferences, United States tour, political articles and addresses, etc. in addition to information about his memorial fund. (AUB History, Presidents, Education, Arab American Relations)
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The collection of Edward Nickoley, (1873-1937.), educator, AUB Acting President (1919-1923) and IC Acting Principal contains his correspondence with AUB community and other prominent coordinates like commander of French forces Henri Gouraud and Prince Faysal of Iraq. It also documents faculty appointments and Nickoley’s experience with famine in Syria during WWI. (AUB History, Education, Famine in Syria, Ottoman Period, French Mandate)
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Saul Rosenberg, American citizen, (1912-1988), studied medicine at the American University of Beirut between 1934 and 1939 to return to the States and finish his specialty as a dermatologist. His collection comprises, 1.6 linear feet, of photographs with few personal items. His photograph collection, 1,512 photos, mainly consists of three photo albums that form a photo diary of his life as a dynamic medical student in Lebanon. The collection is significant to researchers interested in medical education, social culture, and travel during the 1930s. (Medical education, Tourism, Middle East, Europe)
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Professor and scholar of Mathematics, Edward Stewart Kennedy, (1912-2009) dedicated his work to studying the works of former mathematicians and Astronomers taking a special interest in Astronomers in the medieval Islamic world (i.e., al-Bīrūnī, al-Kashī). This collection includes Dr. Kennedy’s research notes, manuscript translations, and correspondence on the history of astronomy and mathematics in the Islamic World. (Mathematics, Astronomy, Islamic World)
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The American University of Beirut Photo Albums 1953-1956 consist of 179 photographs in two albums. They cover different events, during the presidency of Stephen Penrose and beyond such as Commencement and honoring ceremonies, students’ extracurricular activities and AUB buildings and grounds. The albums also depict the visits of prominent Middle Eastern and international personalities to campus. The collection is relevant to researchers interested in the history of AUB during 1953-1956. (AUB history, student activities)
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This collection documents the history of the Department of Fine Arts and Art History (FAAH) at AUB, first academic art department in Lebanon, since its inception in 1952. The collection includes correspondence, annual and administrative reports, syllabi, exhibitions’ related material, photographs, scrapbooks, invitations cards, etc. as well as other documents related to the work of the prominent artists that were among its founding faculty members like Maryette Charlton, George Buehr, Arthur Frick etc. (AUB History, Art History, Art Education Visual Culture).

The collection of Lokman Meho, former American University of Beirut (AUB) University Librarian (2009-2021), is a combination of his work from his beginnings as a student during the late 1980s at AUB, North Carolina Central University (NCC), the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC); and later as a Professor of Library Science at SUNY, Indiana University. The collection is important to researchers in library science and research on minorities. (AUB Students, AUB Faculty, Library Science)

Anis Frayha, (1903-1992), a Lebanese author, researcher, professor of Semitic languages, and educator of many generations. The Anis Frayha collection, one linear foot, includes his biography, diaries, ephemera related to his honoring, few photos and an obituary. (Linguistics, Social history, Education)
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Philip Khoury Hitti, (1886-1978), was a historian, scholar of Islam, and a member of the AUB Board of Trustees (1945-1978). He taught at AUB, Columbia and Princeton Universities. The collection includes Hitti's biographical information, addresses, correspondence, invitation cards, honoring and memorial ceremonies, as well as a bibliography of his work, and research material used by him. (Middle Eastern Studies, History, Higher Education)
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Mansour Hanna Jurdak, (1881-1964), alumnus and professor of mathematics and astronomy at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The Collection includes articles that address issues related to astronomy and mathematics, and education at SPC at the turn of the twentieth century, along with articles about his peers at AUB; and his memoirs. (AUB History, Astronomy, Mathematics)
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Nikula Shahin (1897-1984) alumnus who occupied several positions at AUB as instructor of Arabic and Physics, 1918-1919 then 1945 to 1966. Shahin also served as the Assistant to the Director of the Lee Observatory later known as the Lee-Shahin Observatory. This small collection compromises Nikula’s biographical information, interviews, articles and publications by or compiled by him with four photos. It is an invaluable source for meteorologists, scholars interested in climate change, rainfall and geographic studies. (Meteorology, Seismology, Lee Observatory)
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The Habib Kurani Collection mainly covers the research work of AUB Professor of Education, Habib Amin Kurani, (1904-1983). The collection includes reports, articles, research papers and education courses given at AUB between the years1950 and 1983. The collection is an important source for researchers and scholars interested in the progress of the education system in the Arab World, Europe and the Far East. The material documents education in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Syria and Saudi Arabia etc. (Education, Middle East, Arab Countries)
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Iliya Harik,(1934-2007) professor of political science and Middle Eastern studies, taught at the American University of Beirut, (1958, 1995-1996, 2003), the Lebanese American University, and Indiana University. This collection contains course syllabi from various universities, a survey of the Lebanese Parliamentary elections of 1958, books and article drafts including "Arab World" and "the Global Economic System", "Who Governs Lebanon" in addition to research material used by him as an educator and researcher. (AUB History, Political Science, Education)
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Dr. Zahiya Kaddoura, (1920-2002), a pioneer woman who taught History and Islamic Studies, became the first woman Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the Lebanese University. This collection includes her autobiography, certificates and honors, correspondence with various subjects from Egypt and Lebanon, published research, in addition to some ephemera. (Gender Studies, Education, Lebanese University)
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Pierre H. Azoury (1930-2014), AUB Professor of mechanical engineering, was best known for his music as a composer, pianist and teacher. The collection consists of personal documents, awards, correspondence, courses, photos, postcards and posters as well as music sheets, cassette tapes and recordings of Azoury’s various symphonies. (Composer and Musician, Pianist, Mechanical Engineering)
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Raja Iliya (1926-2020) Professor of civil engineering at the American University of Beirut. His small collection consists of his projects especially on Lebanese churches and Beirut port Silo. The collection is relevant for researchers or students interested in the history civil engineering teaching in Lebanon. (Civil engineering, Education)
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Lamia Rustum Shehadeh (1940-) is a Lebanese researcher, writer, and educator known for her contributions in women's right and gender studies. The collection comprises personal documents, students' papers, research materials, publications. This collection provides valuable insights into Shehadeh's career, research, advocacy, and contributions to women's issues in Lebanon and beyond. (Women, gender)
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Abdul Mun’im Talhouk (1913-2004) Professor and world reference in entomology. BS 1948 and MS 1955 both from the American University of Beirut. He received his doctorate from the University of Munich, Germany, in 1960. The collection includes his research around the Middle East, correspondence with scientists, his articles, books, negatives, and photos. It mirrors the long life, research, labor of a prominent entomologist, and his connections with international scientists from around the world. (AUB faculty, Entomology)
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Dr. Nabil Dajani AUB alumnus (BA 1957 , MA 1960) is an emeritus professor of media studies at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. He is a media sociologist focusing on the study of the role of media in the Arab East. The Nabil Dajani's Collection includes material related to the history of Media, laws, ethics and broadcasting as well as AUB Faculty Association. The collection is relevant to the scholars interested in the media studies and history in Lebanon and the Arab world. (Journalism, Media, Broadcasting)
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The collection consists of 2 linear feet of archival material that document the professional activities and research of Dr. Nasri Kawar (1934-) as a researcher and Professor of Entomology at AUB, 1963-2008. He was well known for his study of the insect attacking Cedars of Lebanon. The collection also includes research his on water pollution with pesticides and insecticides taxonomy as well as recycling projects in Lebanon and Jordan etc. (Entomology, pollution, recycling, Cedars)

Edwin Lewis was a professor of chemistry, geology and physics at the Syrian Protestant College (1870-1882).The Edwin Lewis Affair collection includes archival materials documenting the repercussions following Dr. Edwin Lewis’ commencement speech delivered in 1882 in which he praised Darwin’s scientific methods. This address sparked a serious discussion over the role of religion and science in education in the Arab World. This collection includes documents on Lewis, articles, petitions, reports and photos. (AUB History, American Missionaries, Darwin, Science, Religion, Education)
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The 1970s witnessed a global wave of student activism, at that time many AUB students protested against policies of the Lebanese government and the University administration; many fought for better working conditions for workers, and demonstrated against University tuition increase. This collection documents various confrontations, a 100 days strike in 1971, and the university’s response to it. It includes statements and ephemera issued by the AUB administration and different student bodies. (AUB History, Student activism, Liberal Arts Education)
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The Archives and Special Collections Department holds around 63 student magazines published between 1899 and the 1930s. Most of the magazines were handwritten and few were typed. The magazines, published in Arabic, English, French, and Armenian, dealt with a wide variety of topics including literary and artistic productions, humor, economics, travel, politics, advertisements and University affairs. (AUB History, Education, Students’ Publications, Liberal Arts Education)
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The Collection consists of 50 photographs and 113 postcards of AUB bursary Students. It depicts views of their hometowns, daily life, as well as archeological and touristic sites throughout Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan in the 1920s. (AUB, Bursary students, International Students, Description and travel)
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The AUB yearbook collection of around 100 yearbooks covers dates between 1928 till present. The yearbooks document AUB Students’ vibrant life and extracurricular activities as well as AUB buildings and campus. It includes photos of students and graduates in their academic dress as well as administrative officers, faculty, and staff members. This collection is reserved in the Archives and Special Collection while the digital copies are accessible through the library digitized collections. (Campus yearbook, students, periodicals)

The American Press was founded by the American Mission to Malta in 1822 and moved to Beirut in 1834. The American Press contributed immensely to the intellectual and printing boom witnessed by the region at the end of the 19th c. and the turn of the 20th c. “Al Matbaaha al Amirikiyah” had its own movable letter block print design (Publishing Lebanon, Book industry, An-Nahda)
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Near East College Association (NECA) planning began with Cleveland H. Dodge in 1919 and was incorporated in New York, in 1927. The collection includes management related correspondence exchanged between NECA Director, Albert W. Staub, AUB President, Bayard Dodge, & Acting President, George B. Stewart. Also included are NECA’s publications comprising Near East College Association news-letter, Near East Service quarterly. NECA institutions were spread in Greece, Turkey, Lebanon (Syria) and Bulgaria. (American Educational institutions, Higher Education, Middle East, Europe)
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Archie Crawford founded Damascus College in 1945. The collection of 2.6 linear feet details the history of the College. It includes official documents: charter, new campus layout, administrative and financial records, correspondence with New York Office and Near East College Association (N.E.C.A), students’ activities, staff correspondence as well as notes of the closing of the College, in June 1957. (Syria, American Education)
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Rose Ewald (1884-1960), an American social activist, was associated with Near East Relief for a long period. The small collection consists of 78 black and white photographs and 48 negatives; many are related to the American University of Beirut and some to Robert College of Istanbul. The collection is of value to researchers interested in history of AUB and the American education in the region. (AUB history, American Missionaries)
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Al-Amiliyah Islamic Charitable Association Album consist of 8 photographic prints depicts the schools’ buildings between 1947 and 1967. The buildings featured are the French and English branches, al-Waqf al-Amili, and Al-Safa Mosque. The collection is a reliable research source for scholars interested in architecture, and the history of education in Lebanon. (Nonprofit organizations, Schools, Education, Buildings.)
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The BOT minutes of meetings collection is around 6 linear feet covering the period 1863-present. It has both restricted minutes, released twenty-five years after the date of record creation, and the accessible minutes. These minutes cover decisions related to university's finances and budgets, elections, tuition changes, promotion and tenure, compensations and benefits, fundraising, academic affairs, alumni relations and external relations, etc. (Board of Trustees, American University of Beirut, Meetings and Minutes)
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The Minutes of General Faculty Meetings of the Syrian Protestant College & the American University of Beirut Collection 2.7 linear feet of archival material. The collection contains 10 bound volumes of minutes for the years 1867 to1940.The minutes include discussions, financial decisions, students’ activities and societies, discipline, faculty promotion and leaves, interdepartmental relations, academic calendar, reports, etc. French mandate, WWI and WWII, etc. (Higher Education, Ottomans, French Mandate, WWI, WWII)
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The Medical Division Faculty Minutes of Meetings of the Syrian Protestant College & the American University of Beirut Collection is around 8 linear feet of archival material covering the years 1908 to 1979. The minutes include discussions, decisions related to finances, tuitions, students’ scholarships, grants, as well as faculty promotion and tenure, interdepartmental relations, reports, etc. (Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Education)

The collection consists of 54 interviews with prominent public Arab figures to document the political, educational, social, cultural life in Lebanon and the Middle East during late 1960 and early 1970s. The interviews yielded historical information that would otherwise have gone unrecorded from prominent persons of diverse backgrounds. (Oral history, Community development, Political activists, Higher Education, Nationalism).
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Around 13 oral history interviews were conducted by Dr. Betty Anderson, Professor of Middle Eastern History at Boston University, as background research for Anderson’s book: "The American University of Beirut: Arab Nationalism and Liberal Education", (2011). The interviews focused on the interviewees’ social and educational backgrounds prior to their service to AUB, their memories of service at AUB, with a focus on the student movements during the 1960s and 70s. (AUB History, Student Activism, Civil War, Modern History of Middle East, Oral History)
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The AUB’s 150th Anniversary Oral History Collection is a set of 20 oral history interviews conducted by Dr. Maria Abunnasr with members of the AUB community to safe keep AUB’s institutional memory. The interviews cover several decades from the 1950s to 2016, providing an overview of the life and memories of the interviewees at AUB: as students, administrators or faculty; touching upon the Lebanese civil war and its aftermath. (AUB History, Liberal Arts Education, Lebanese Civil War, Oral History)