Historical Queen's Publications Collection

Among other areas of focus, Queen’s University Archives has sought to acquire, preserve, and provide access to records of enduring value that document the collective memory of the University. As part of this work, the Archives has amassed a substantial collection of printed material created at Queen’s throughout its history. Many of these historical materials have been digitized.

The Alumnae News Collection

The Alumnae News was a publication created by the Queen’s University Alumnae Association, an association of women graduates that formed at the turn of the twentieth century to advocate for the creation of women’s residences. The association decided to create The Alumnae News at a January 1916 general meeting, coming out with their first publication in June of the same year. The Alumnae News was to be financed by membership dues and a copy provided to each member as she paid her membership fee. The paper focused on news provided by alumnae and alumnae branches, along with short articles of interest, and the names and addresses of all the members of the Association. Twenty-four volumes of The Alumnae News were published over the next twenty-five years: only 1936 was without a volume as there was no editor available that year. The last volume was published in July 1940. 

Digitized versions of The Alumnae News are stored on the Internet Archive and are listed on the Archives website.

Queen’s Journal Collection 

The Journal first appeared on campus on October 25, 1873 as the Queen's College Journal, a fortnightly magazine whose objective was to "foster a literary taste among students" as well as function as a forum for discussion of university affairs between members of the university in Kingston and alumni located elsewhere. Throughout its history, the Queen’s Journal has shifted thematic focus, the frequency of its publication, and format. Despite these shifts, its delivery remained consistent from 1930 through to 2013. Two issues were published weekly during the academic year, with a few issues being produced in the summer months. Changes were made to accommodate digital delivery of content in 2013, bringing it closer to its current format.  

More information on the Queen’s Journal is available on the Archives website, which includes links to digitized historical volumes from 1873-2000. These digitized volumes are also stored on the Internet Archive.

Tricolour Yearbook Collection 

Yearbooks began at Queen's University as a publication created by each faculty. For example, the earliest yearbook created at Queen's was for Arts Class of 1899. This practice continued until 1928 when the first Tricolor yearbook was created. The Tricolor (later renamed "Tricolour" in 1978) was a yearbook for all of the students of Queen's across the faculties. The Tricolour is produced entirely by students, and published and funded by the Alma Mater Society. The Tricolour is produced every fall and is available to any student who attended Queen's in the previous academic year. 

Digitized versions of the yearbooks and Tricolours are stored on the Internet Archive and are listed on the Archives website.