Archives & Special Collections

Manhattan University serves as the final repository for the historical records of Manhattan University and the Brothers of the Christian Schools (also known as the Christian Brothers or the De La Salle Christian Brothers). The University houses the following archival collections:

  • Archives of Manhattan University (formerly Manhattan College)
  • Archives of the De La Salle Christian Brothers of the legacy New York (NY) District
  • Archives of the De La Salle Christian Brothers of the legacy Long Island-New England (LI-NE) District
  • Christian Brothers of the Midwest District Archives
  • Lasallian Research Collection
  • District of Eastern North America (DENA) Archives
  • Archives of the Christian Brothers Conference
Dozens of young boys, well-dressed in button-down shirts, ties and slacks, sit at desks in rows and type on typewriters. Half of the rows and students face the camera and half of the rows have their back to the camera.

Image of the Month: March

St. Mel High School Typing Class, circa 1944

Before computer keyboards or iPads, students learned an important marketable business skill typing on typewriters.  This class at St. Mel’s High School, a Catholic school for boys located on the west side of Chicago, was fairly common and practical.  The Christian Brothers managed the school from 1918 until 1968.  In 1944, enrollment numbered roughly 1480 students.


See More