The Rare Book Room is the focal point of the Architecture Library. Two major collections, began by donations, make up the Rare Book Room. The first of these is the Ryan Family Collection of the Park List. The late Jim Ryan and his wife Colleen supported the acquisition of over 65 titles from the Helen Park List which was first published in 1961 and later amended in 1973. The Park List, as it has come to be known, is comprised of the first architecture books known to have been in the country prior to the American Revolution. These books became the foundation for American architecture. Through the generosity of Matthew and Joyce Walsh the Architecture Library’s collection of titles from the Park List has grown to over 80 titles.

The second collection is comprised of the first architecture books published in the United States. Gwen and John Burgee and Mary O’Shaughnessy supported the acquisition of over 250 titles from a bibliography created by Henry-Russell Hitchcock. His publication titled American Architectural Books: A list of books, portfolios, and pamphlets on architecture and related subjects published in American before 1895 takes over where the Park List left off and includes all early American imprints. This collection gives students of classical and traditional architecture examples of early American building styles, price guides, and pattern books.

Collections in the Rare Book Room are growing. In addition to the two listed above the Library is actively collecting rare and unique materials related to the study of classical architecture. This collection is anchored by James Stuart and Nicholas Revett’s seminal publication The Antiquities of Athens… published in five volumes from 1762 – 1830. These large folios give students to opportunity to draw directly from Stuart and Revett’s early engravings. The acquisition of this title was made possible by the support of Matthew and Joyce Walsh.

These generous donations directed the focus of the Rare Book Room to the History of the Study of Architecture in the United States and the Study of Classical and Traditional Architecture. The Architecture Library’s Rare Book Room is a resource open to students and scholars interested in the History of the Study of Architecture in the United States.