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About the Florida Collection
The Helen C. Purdy Florida Collection includes titles relating to the historical, political, social, cultural, literary, and ethnic development of Florida from the sixteenth century to the present day. The Florida Collection represents a significant resource for study and research relating to the history and literature of Florida. Efforts to acquire rare and significant materials for the Florida Collection are supported in part by the Helen Carmichael Purdy Foundation.
Topics treated in the Collection include the discovery and exploration of the region during the periods of Spanish and British occupation, the acquisition of the Florida Territory by the United States, the Seminole Indians, the impact of the Civil War in the Southern United States including the presence of Blacks in the region, the growth and development of South Florida, particularly Miami, and Florida literature.
Helen Carmichael “Mike” Purdy was head of the Archives and Special Collections (now the Special Collections Department) from 1978 to 1990. She loved Florida and its history — and felt a strong affinity for books and maps that illustrated and preserved Florida’s past. To help the University Libraries build an outstanding collection of rare and unique Floridiana, Purdy created the Helen Carmichael Purdy Foundation when she retired from the University. The foundation generously awards funds annually for the acquisition of Florida materials for the Special Collections Department.
Catalog Results for the Helen C. Purdy Florida Collection (Index forthcoming)
