Collection Highlights

The Information Resource Center's Collection Highlights

Rare Book Collection
This collection contains mainly pre 1900 volumes and is considered the most valuable in the IRC. It contains volumes ranging from classic works of ornithology to Mayan Codex's. Many of the works in this collection are numbered copies, many in runs of 1000 or less, indicating the uniqueness and value of the collection.

Special Collection
This collection contains many works of regional importance to the Niagara Frontier, Museum related authors and works by famous naturalists and scientists. Much of the collection dates to the 1800's and early 1900's. Several of the volumes are signed by the authors.

Hamlin Oriental Art Collection
Volumes concerning the art and archaeology of Asia were collected by former Museum President, Chauncy Hamlin, and donated to the Museum and placed in this collection in memory of his second wife, Elizabeth W. Hamlin . This collection is both valuable and unique, containing many volumes that are rare and important in this field. The journal Kokka published in Tokyo, an early serial devoted to art history, is a highlight of this collection.

Archives
The Archives contains the historical documentation of the Buffalo Society of the Natural Sciences, parent organization of the Buffalo Museum of Science, from its inception in the 1860s. This collection documents administrative history, as well as, programming, education, curatorial services, collections and exhibits. Also contained are the various Museum publications and thousands of photographs documenting the various activities, programs, people and research of the Buffalo Museum of Science.