Wilcox Collection

The Wilcox Collection is one of the largest assemblages of US left and right wing political literature in this country. Established in 1965, the collection has grown steadily to include coverage of more than 10,000 individuals and organizations.
Profile of an armed soldier with text: "Vietnam, black and brown communities, all foreign countries, the schools, national action. Bring the war home! Chicago, September 27, 1969."
Detail of a poster protesting the Vietnam War, 1969. Call Number: RH WL R17.

Overview

The bulk of the collection covers 1960 to the present and is comprised of nearly 10,000 books, pamphlets and periodicals, 800 audio tapes, 73 linear feet of manuscript materials, and more than 100,000 pieces of ephemera including flyers, brochures, mailings, clippings and bumper stickers. Laird Wilcox, the originator of the collection, continues to make regular donations and additions are being actively sought.

Subjects covered in the Wilcox Collection include:

  • Student protest of the Vietnam War era, 1963-1975
  • Anti-Communist literature
  • Counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s
  • Civil rights
  • Religious right
  • Tax protest and anti-government movements
  • Race relations
  • Women's rights

Collecting Areas and Policies

Wilcox Collection Contact

Rebecca Schulte
Curator of the Wilcox Collection
bschulte@ku.edu
785-864-2024
 

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