Partner Spotlight: William Penn University — Digital Archive of Heritage & Community
Preserving history, fostering access, and strengthening community through digital archives
Archive Overview
The digital archive at William Penn University Library, available at
williampenn.historyarchives.online, offers a rich and accessible collection of yearbooks from 1893-2013.
These materials document the institution’s journey from its founding in 1873 to the present, supporting student research, alumni engagement, and wider community scholarship.
Institutional History
William Penn University was founded in 1873 (originally as Penn College) by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
Over the decades, the institution has expanded and evolved, formally achieving university status in 2000.
Its mission emphasizes leadership, technology, and the Quaker values of simplicity, peace-making, integrity, community, and equality.
Community & Campus Context
Located in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the university’s campus features historic buildings and landscapes reflecting its long heritage.
The archive not only preserves institutional memory but also connects the campus to the surrounding community, offering open access to historical resources that serve students, scholars, alumni, and residents alike.
Interesting & Unique Facts
The timeline of the university includes notable milestones such as the original campus fire in 1916, the donation of 40 acres of land in 1898, and the opening of the Wilcox Library in 1964.
The archive captures photographs of class groups, student organizations, and campus architecture changes—some going back well over a century—creating a visual timeline of student and institutional life.
As a Quaker-affiliated institution, William Penn’s archives reflect a distinctive educational tradition rooted in values of community and equality, making the collection not only historically rich but socially meaningful.
Explore the Collection
To explore all Advantage Archives’ collections, visit our directory at CommunityHistoryArchives.com. There you can browse the full range of local and institutional archives—including William Penn’s collection—completely free of charge.
Conclusion
At Advantage Archives, we are proud to partner with 1,100+ institutions to provide free digital access to local history, enabling communities to preserve, share, and celebrate their heritage.
If you’re interested in bringing your institution’s history online, we encourage you to email or call us—we are ready to collaborate and support your mission.
Not ready to make the first move? Read more about our partnerships and how they were able to provide free access to their history.👇
