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School Archives

Class of 1859

picture of class of 1859

In 1998, SEM received two grants from New York's State Archives and Records Administration. The funds enabled the school to begin a much anticipated and eagerly awaited project: an archive of the rich repository of records and mementos that chronicle the educational and social history of many of Buffalo's young women since 1851.

Materials were surveyed, evaluated, and cataloged by a consultant. An archivist was then brought in to arrange, describe, and make accessible this unique collection of materials and artifacts. The SEM Archive is a continuous record of the education of young women from the middle of the 19th century into the 21st - a period of tremendous change for women and for Buffalo and is a physical manifestation of our tradition of forward thinking.

In its quest to preserve and promote the heritage and traditions of the school, the Buffalo Seminary Alumnae Association, Buffalo Chapter, has been the guardian of the Archives. Its members seek to provide a resource center for scholars; to enhance the historical record of Buffalo; provide SEM teachers and students with primary sources to enhance students' research skills; and help students appreciate the rich history of which they are both heirs and actors.

Items are carefully preserved in our growing collection, which is located in West-Chester Hall. Photographs, event programs, yearbooks and other items that reflect your days at our school are always appreciated.

The school gladly accepts memorabilia from your years spent at Buffalo Seminary.

If possible, please indicate the school year from which the memorabilia date; if you are donating photographs, please also try to identify all individuals who appear in each photograph. If you have materials to be donated to the Archives, please contact us at development@buffaloseminary.org or (716) 885-6780 ext. 209.

Archive Slide show