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Self Guided Tour: Special Collections/ Genealogy

  • The materials in this department do not circulate.
  • According to an 1883 newspaper account, the upper floor of the library was originally supposed to be used as a research area. However, due to a lack of funds, it was decided that the top floor would remain empty.
    • In May 1903, a group called the Federated Clubs, made up of several organizations, sponsored an Art Loan Exhibit, which was reported in the newspapers as a great success.
    • In July 1921, the Vanderburgh County Historical Society agreed to house its collections of Indian relics and museum articles on the second floor, an arrangement that lasted until 1928.
  • In 1973, the second floor underwent renovations that included the installation of air-conditioning and heating, as well as new paint, lighting, and shelving. As the library’s genealogical collection grew in popularity, Willard Library opened the Regional and Family History Center in December 1976. Today, this remains a place where patrons can research their family history. However, the name “Special Collections” has endured and is still used to this day.
Willard Carpenter 

Portait may have been painted by Ida Patterson

Carpenter Coat of Arms 

The Carpenter family coat of arms, as claimed by Willard Carpenter, bears the Latin motto Celeritas Virtus Fidelitas, which translates from Latin to “Speed, Virtue, Fidelity.”

William Baker 

This oil portrait of William Baker was painted by artist James G. Forbes. Baker served as Mayor of Evansville twice, from 1859–1868 and again from 1871 until his passing in 1872. How this painting came into the library’s collection remains a mystery.

Elenore E Johnson 

Eleanor Johnson, founder of the Vanderburgh Christian Home, she received assistance from Willard Carpenter in opening the home in March 1870. Her portrait was later donated to Willard Library by the Vanderburgh Christian Home.

Steam Boat Model 

I know nothing of this

Mary Parke Foster 

1841-1922

Stain Glass Portraits 

A stained-glass depiction of literary giants Homer and Shakespeare—joined by Willard Carpenter, who, considering himself among their ranks, included his own likeness alongside theirs.

The Ab. collection 

Books and cooler books

Gold Frame Paintings 

Pretty pretty

Old Map On Table 

Super cool old map!

The Bayard Room 

Information about the Bayard room and a Gallery of portraits explaining things