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This is a sampling of postcard collections in the Prints & Photographs Division, chosen to show the variety, quantity, and points of access both in the Prints & Photographs Reading Room and from afar. Some collections are solely postcard-based while others may have additional visual materials or resources. Finding aids for certain collections are available in the Prints & Photographs Reading Room (when noted in the online record).
The following items are stored on site and can be retrieved with call slips when visiting the Prints & Photographs Reading Room.
Over 400 postcards from ca. 1900 – ca. 1965 showing views of cities and locations, mainly in the United States, and including Europe and Canada.
Collection shows scenes of Native American life and people including those from the Navajo, Pima, Pueblo, Ute, and Hopi tribes.
Between the two LOTs, over 8,000 postcards featuring the interiors and exteriors of churches from 1907-1969. Locations are throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and the United States. Interior details include altars, organs, and architectural elements (i.e. stained glass windows).
Arranged into three albums, this collection boasts nearly 300 color postcards depicting scenic views such as Smoky Mountains National Park, reconstructed Indian Villages, and tourist attractions among others.
With aerial views, aircrafts, pilots, and other events; this collection highlights French aviation from 1904-1914.
Forms part of the National Photo Company Collection, highlighting business and industry from 1909-1932.
With photographic and graphic materials, the collection boasts up to 56,000 items highlighting US and foreign views, architecture and decorative arts, humor, patriotic themes, and art reproductions.
Nearly 400 postcards with scenes from the US, published by the Albertype Company, that are primarily hand-colored or sepia toned, from 1920-1956.
Over 1,600 items of postcards and viewbooks featuring the United States as well as other countries. Postcards are also subject based, including humor and animals.
Over 23,000 postcards showing the Russian Empire as it existed before the 1917 revolutions including Poland, Finland, Ukraine, the Baltic states, the Caucaus, Central Asia, Siberia, and the Far East. Bulk dates are from 1895-1917, while a few are from the Soviet Period (1920s-1950s).
