The mission of the Ruth Lilly Special Collections and Archives is to collect and provide access to unique materials that will support faculty, student, and community success. We teach the value of archives through documenting the history of IU Indianapolis, the philanthropic tradition, and our community.
We collect papers and records in the following thematic areas:
- Philanthropy, which includes the records of foundations, nonprofit organizations, fundraising firms, associations, and individuals
- German-Americana, which includes the records of national and local organizations focused on the American Turners and similar groups
- General Collections, which contain the records of individuals and organizations with ties to the University and Indianapolis
- University Archives, which preserves the official records of IU Idianapolis and its various predecessor institutions