Special Collections at Luther Seminary Library

All special collections are located on the third floor of Gullixson Hall. The Thrivent Reformation Research Program and Microform Collection occupy room 307. The Library's Rare Book Room houses the three print collections.

Use of items in these collections can be arranged by making an appointment with the Library (651) 641-3226 or the Reformation Studies Program (651) 641-3224.

Pre-1800 Book Collection

The library has an extensive collection of books published before 1800 including volumes of theological treatises, biblical commentaries, liturgical works, etc. of Lutheran and other Protestant reformers of the 16-18th centuries.

Carl Døving Hymn Collection

Dr. Carl Døving (1867-1937) was a hymnologist and translator as well as a pastor of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America.  He gathered a hymnal collection of over 1,400 volumes representing over 325 languages and dialects.

Jacob Tanner Catechism Collection

Luther's Small Catechism has been translated into nearly as many languages and dialects as has the Bible.  Dr. Jacob Tanner (1865-1964) taught at Luther Seminary from 1924-1938 and assembled a collection of Small Catechisms translated into languages from around the world.

Thrivent Reformation Research Program Microform Collection

This collection supports and is administered by the seminary's Reformation Research Program.  It is a growing collection of microfilmed books, pamphlets, and other primary source material from major European universities and libraries documenting the religious and intellectual history of the Reformation period from its beginning to the end of the Thirty Years War in 1648.  Items in this collection are available for loan. Send questions to refrepro@luthersem.edu