The Tabularium - 215 W High St
Also known as the Old Marsh Library and Elder Main, this building was built in 1743 to house New Jerusalem College. As the university grew and transformed into Missituk University, this building has served as a library and an administration building. In 1861 the building was rebuilt in high Victorian Gothic style, and all of the University’s archived records were moved here for storage. The new library was christened The Tabularium. All existing papers and ledgers pertaining to the history of New Jerusalem College and Missituk Liberal College can be found here, as well as the archives of the Salem Academy and the Elder Faith Seminary.
The archives are cramped, dusty, and filled to overflowing with boxes of old books, letters, and papers. Anyone wanting to find class rosters, old photographs, trustees’ minutes, or commencement addresses all the way back to 1692 can find them here, although the collection is notoriously jumbled and difficult to navigate.
Beatrice Ilsley and a staff of two clerks preside over the collections and have the best idea of where things are. Few have ever plumbed the depths of the Tabularium, and most students are unaware of its existence.
Founding Date
1743 rebuilt 1861
Type
University / Educational complex
Parent Location
Owning Organization
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