Items and Formats Housed in the CSU Archives

Photograph Collection

The Photograph Collection includes nearly 4,000 images, divided into two main subsections: 1) Columbus State University, and, 2) The Chattahoochee Valley Historical Photograph Collection. A large portion of our photographs are indexed and searchable. Specific areas of collection development are:

• The history and culture of Columbus State University.
• The history and culture of Columbus, Georgia and the surrounding area.

Institute for the Study of American Cultures (ISAC) Collection

The Institute for the Study of American Cultures (ISAC) Collection is comprised of monograph and periodical materials which relate to the ISAC organization, which was founded by Columbus resident Dr. Joseph Mahan. The approximately 20 linear feet of materials are cataloged and searchable in GIL. The majority of these materials focus on the history, environment, and culture of the Americas before the exploration of Christopher Columbus in 1492.

Architectural Drawings and Land Survey

Architectural Drawings and Land Surveys of several prominent architects are also housed in the Archives. Over 300 linear feet of material are contained in this collection, and major collections include the J.J.W. Biggers Collection, Neal and Green Architects Drawings, the Pound and Flowers Architects Drawings, and the Grover Carr Property Survey Collection. Materials collected in this format include:

• Architectural drawings of structures in Columbus, Georgia and the surrounding areas.
• Architectural drawings of structures outside of the greater Columbus areas created by Columbus architects.
• Land surveys of properties in Columbus and the surrounding area.

Oral Histories

Oral Histories have been collected on a variety of local topics. Interviews with prominent historical figures, textile operatives, desegregation, and education comprise the bulk of the collection. Oral histories which focus on the following are actively collected:

• Histories which recount the history and culture of Columbus, Georgia and the surrounding area.
• Interviews with past and present residents of Columbus, Georgia.

City and County Documents and Directories

City and County Documents and Directories consist of material in a wide variety of formats. City directories from Phenix City, Alabama are also available on a limited basis. Included in this collection are:

• Columbus and Phenix City city directories.
• Reports of the City of Columbus, Muscogee County and the Consolidated Government, including but not limited to annual reports, city codes, and land use policies.
• State and federal documents of historical value which pertain to Columbus and Muscogee County.
• Columbus and Phenix City telephone directories.