Cory Library for Historical Research

The Cory Library for Humanities Research, previously known as the Cory Library for Historical Research, is a research library in Rhodes University.^[1] In addition to its preservation Eastern Cape history, it also contains the archives of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.

The library is named after Sir George Cory, chemist and historian, best known for his six-volume publication "The Rise of South Africa".^[2] The library is situated on the ground floor of the Eden Grove Building, Lucas Avenue, Grahamstown.

The Library's archival holdings include Xhosa history, mission and church history, as well as education, mining, commercial and agricultural history.

Collections

Collections include:

• manuscripts and other documents
• Cape and other Government publications
• books, both rare and modern
• periodicals and newspapers
• maps
• pictorial materials
• microforms
• video and audio recordings
• digital records.

The manuscript and archival collections include:

• personal documents such as diaries, autobiographies, family histories and farmers' diaries
• institutional collections of churches, local political and non-governmental organisations, business and professional bodies, service clubs and education institutions.

Notable collections

• Cory Library curates the Methodist Church of Southern Africa archival materials;
• Sir George Cory's Lantern Slide Collection, consisting of glass slides which Sir George Cory commissioned to illustrate his many public lectures, portrays life in the early days of the Eastern Cape, including early Grahamstown;
• The Lovedale Collection offers a comprehensive coverage of the history of the Lovedale Missionary Institution including the Lovedale Press;
• The Rhodes University Archives is responsible for the preservation of the University’s institutional memory. The University Archives consist of University records of permanent historical value regardless of format and these include published and unpublished materials that document the history of the University and minutes, correspondence, reports, publications produced by University staff (and students) in pursuit of their official responsibilities;
• ARTSA Collection;
• Grahamstown Training College Archive Collection;
• The C.J. Skead Photograph Collection, containing 1,186 photographs collected by Dr Jack Skead (1912 - 2006), a well-known ornithologist and historian from the Eastern Cape. The majority of photographs detail the vegetation and landscapes of Port Elizabeth area and environs from 1994 - 2006;
• The Chris McGregor Jazz Collection containing articles and photographs of Chris McGregor, the Brotherhood of Breath and the Blue Notes.

See also

• Rhodes University Library
• National Library of South Africa
• Xhosa Wars

References

External links

• Rhodes University Libraries

Rhodes University
Academics	Rhodes Business School Rhodes School of Journalism and Media Studies
Campus	1820 Settlers National Monument Africa Media Matrix Albany Museum Cory Library for Historical Research Herbert Baker Clocktower Makana Botanical Gardens Rhodes University Library International Library of African Music
Research	Philosophical Papers
Student Life	Activate The Oppidan Press Rhodes Music Radio
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