About the Collection
The Day Missions Library is one of the preeminent collections for the study of the history of Christian missions and world Christianity. Started with a gift from George Edward Day in 1891, the collection now comprises more than 300,000 items, including books, pamphlets, periodicals, reports, photographs, and more.
The collection documents the missionary movement and the spread of Christianity worldwide, with particular strengths in materials related to Protestant missionary activities in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands from the 18th to the early 20th centuries.
Collection Resources
Annual Reports
This document provides a comprehensive list of the annual reports from various missionary societies and organizations held in the Day Missions Library collection. These reports offer detailed accounts of missionary activities, financial information, and the progress of mission work from year to year.
Periodicals
This document catalogs the extensive collection of missionary periodicals held in the Day Missions Library. These publications include missionary journals, magazines, newsletters, and bulletins from various missionary organizations and denominations, providing contemporary accounts of mission work around the world.
Related Collections
The Day Missions Library Collection is complemented by several other collections at Yale Divinity School Library:
- Kenneth Scott Latourette Papers - Materials related to the renowned historian of missions and Yale professor
- World Christianity Collection - Documentation of indigenous Christian movements worldwide
- United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia Records - Archives related to Christian education in Asia
- Missionary Research Library Archives - Additional missionary reports and correspondence
Using the Collection
The Day Missions Library Collection is housed at the Yale Divinity School Library. Most items can be consulted in the Special Collections Reading Room by appointment.
For questions about the Day Missions Collection or to make an appointment to view materials, please contact:
Yale Divinity Library Special Collections
409 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Email: divinity.library@yale.edu
Phone: (203) 432-5301