UAMS Historical Research Center

100 Years of Public Health in Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) marks a major milestone. This year marks the 100th year since the Arkansas Board of Health was formed on February 25, 1913, when Governor Joe T. Robinson signed Act 96 of 1913. Read more...

About Us

The goal of the Historical Research Center is to preserve UAMS history and the history of the health sciences in Arkansas. See our animated timeline. This is accomplished by the collection and preservation of classics in the health sciences, i.e., the History of Medicine and associated collections; and by collecting and preserving the archives of UAMS and Arkansas health scientists.

The Historical Research Center office is located on the second floor, room 2/112. It is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00pm. See the Library calendar for holidays. The Robert Watson History of Medicine Room, a component of the HRC, is a quiet study area located in room 1/112 on the first floor. The room was elegantly furnished by Dr. Watson's associates when he retired from the active practice of neurosurgery in 1980.

Policies and Forms

• UAMS Administrative Guide 1990-University Archives
• Historical Research Center Acquisitions & Access Policy
• Types of Items Collected by the Historical Research Center
• Transferring UAMS materials to the Historical Research Center
• Box Contents Form for Transfer Containers

Historical Research Center Reference Services Include

• Answer reference requests.
• Accept recommendations of books for the History of Medicine collection.
• Consult with patrons about donations to the collection.
• Locate historical books, photographs and archival materials for patrons.
• Receive archival materials; process and add to database.
• Provide genealogical information on Arkansas Health Scientists.

Historical Research Center Digital Collections

The digital collections of the UAMS Library Historical Research Center provide access to selected archival materials related to the history of UAMS and of health sciences in Arkansas. Visit the digital collections. Also see our list of resources for historical research.

History of Medicine Exhibits

The UAMS Library provides historical/general interest exhibits in two locations. The main exhibit area is located to the left of the main library entrance. Exhibits are changed approximately every two months. The smaller exhibit area is located in the lobby of Education II. Exhibits are installed on a quarterly basis at this site. If you have suggestions for an exhibit contact Amanda Saar (SaarAmandaE@uams.edu / 686-6733).

Society for the History of Medicine and Health Professions

The Society for the History of Medicine and Health Professions is a friends group for the UAMS Library's Historical Research Center. Its purpose is to enhance the resources of the history collection beyond the Library's regular resources. The Society has sponsored exhibits and lectures, encouraged contributions of both books and funds, and undertaken special projects such as the plaque presented to the Library in honor of early physician donors and the placement of site markers at former locations of the College of Medicine. A newsletter is published twice yearly. An annual research award is offered to a successful applicant who is interested in preparing a paper on the history of the health sciences in Arkansas. Guidelines for submission of the proposal are available online or from Amanda Saar. Each year a dinner meeting is held in the fall and a distinguished lecturer presents a topic of historical interest. Dr. Robert Watson served as first president of the organization. Our membership numbers about a hundred, but we are continually seeking more to join us in meeting the organization's goals. For more information on the Society for the History of Medicine and Health Professions, please visit our website or contact Amanda Saar (686-6733).