Established in the boomtown of Chicago in 1855, the Chicago Theological Seminary’s first mission was to train church leaders on what was then America’s western boundary. Throughout our history, CTS has been a leader in theological education, social justice, and societal transformation. Included in the Lapp Learning Commons' Special Collections are CTS' institutional archives composed of approximately 500 linear shelf feet of material. These materials document the history, culture, and political thought during key social movements in American history telling the story of religious training in the late 19th and 20th centuries when the seminary was at the forefront of various social and cultural movements in the United States.
Additionally, other significant collections include the Anton T. Boisen & G. Campbell Morgan Papers, which include roughly 100 more linear feet.
If you are interested in consulting any materials from these special collections, please request an appointment with the librarian.
Please consult the Learning Commons Archival Use Policy and submit an Archival Request Form prior to your visit.