History of UMass Dartmouth & the University Archives

The Claire T. Carney Library Archives and Special Collections serves as the permanent home for the historical records and artifacts of UMass Dartmouth and its predecessor institutions, New Bedford Textile School and the Bradford Durfee Textile School, as well as the Swain School of Design. Records include official documents, catalogs, reports, correspondence, photographs, audio and video resources, maps, plans, and artifacts that document the history of the institution.

Consult our LibGuide, “Sources for University History” for help in researching the history of UMassD. 

For information on the architect who designed our campus, Paul Rudolph, see the Paul Rudolph website. 

History of UMass Dartmouth

• The Textile Industry, 1895-1947
  • New Bedford Textile School (NBTS)
  • Bradford Durfee Textile School (BDTS)
  • First Women to Graduate, 1912-1917
• After World War II, 1947-1960
• Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute (SMTI), 1960s
• The Modern University, 1960-present
• Swain School of Design
• UMass School of Law
• Documenting COVID-19

Fast Facts

• Chronology of University Names
• Chronology of Campus Buildings Construction
• Past Presidents and Chancellors, 1895-current

Publications

• Catalogues and Yearbooks
• UMass Dartmouth Publications Index