The Paul Foley Memorial Library Collection in American History was founded in 1984 in memory of the late Paul Foley (’37) by his first wife, Sophye, and was fully inaugurated in 1986. Paul graduated magna cum laude from Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters, and afterr a short career in journalism, he changed paths and began what would become an illustrious career in advertising. In 1976, he was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from Notre Dame. Paul had three children: Susan Mary, Peter Michael, and Jane Celeste.

The Paul Foley Memorial Library Collection in American History is critical not only to American history, but also to the study of the humanities. This academic area is an important part of the liberal arts education. Students and faculty at Notre Dame need access to current and historical resources in order to learn and discover all there is to know in this influential field.

The endowment has enabled the Libraries to enhance access to primary research sources in a digitized format. Students benefit from such valuable materials as historical documents, newspapers, letters, diaries, and travel accounts pertaining to all areas of American history. The growing collection of monographs and journals in print and electronic format is helping the University become an ever more robust research institution.