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Historical Collection

The historical collection consists of over 800 titles collected by the AHA and the American College of Healthcare Executives. Particular strengths of this collection include hospital histories from the 17th through19th centuries and hospital administration texts from the early 20th century. The oldest book in the collection dates back to 1676. A first edition copy of Benjamin Franklin's Some Account of the Pennsylvania Hospital is contained in the collection and is displayed at the AHA Washington office.

The historical collection is available for direct use by visitors and scholars with assistance from the Resource Center staff. An appointment is required. Selected materials are stored off-site and must be requested at least 24 hours in advance for on-site use. To identify books in the collection, see the AHA Resource Center's online catalog at http://aharc.library.net.

Oral History Collection

Since 1978, AHA and Health Research and Educational Trust have jointly sponsored an oral history program coordinated through the AHA Resource Center. The Hospital Administration Oral History Collection features transcribed interviews with prominent figures in the hospital and healthcare administration field who have shaped or participated in the events of the past.

Hospital Histories Collection

The AHA Resource Center contains one of the largest collections in the nation of individual U.S. hospital histories. Titles can be found in either the historical or general collection, depending on publication date. Books in the general collection are available for loan to AHA members, partners, and other libraries in the United States. Hospital histories in the Resource Center collection can be identified through the online catalog, by searching on “hospitals history” as a subject. For a list of hospital histories recently added to the collection, click here.

Archival Collections

Personal and institutional papers and memorabilia have been arranged in archival collections and described in written inventories that can aid researchers who are not on-site. These materials are available for direct use by visitors and scholars with assistance from the Resource Center staff. An appointment is required. Most materials are stored off-site and must be requested at least 24 hours in advance for on-site use.

Postcard Collection

Postcards offer a rare opportunity to trace the evolution of hospitals, not only as health care providers for the communities they served, but also as major edifices on the architectural horizons of these communities. The postcard collection is comprised of over 2,500 postcards depicting primarily U.S. hospitals, sanitoriums, and other related buildings. The postcard collection is available for on-site viewing by visitors and scholars with assistance from the Resource Center staff. An appointment is required.