Wilbur Rare Book Collection

Starr King School for the Ministry houses a 1,300-volume library covering the history of Unitarian Universalism from the early 16th century to the Rev. Thomas Starr King’s San Francisco ministry during the Civil War.

The collection was named for Earl Morse Wilbur, the school’s first president (1904 to 1931) and the author of “A History of Unitarianism, Vol. 1 & II,” the first comprehensive chronicle of the movement since the 16th century, as well as “Our Unitarian Heritage,” available online.

These works appear in eight languages and are priceless treasures of Unitarian Universalist history. Visitors can search the collection by author, date, language, and title.

The list by author offers a rich cast of characters who have pieced together a tapestry of our Unitarian history.

Appointment Information

If you would like to make an appointment to view portions of the collection, please contact Teresa Joye at tjoye@sksm.edu no less than 14 days prior to the date you wish to visit. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be made in conjunction with the schedule of the collection librarian.

When you contact Ms. Joye to make your appointment, please have the following information available: 1) requested dates to visit; 2) anticipated number of hours you will need; 3) the titles of the books you wish to view. A valid photo ID is required at the time of your visit.

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