The Sarah D. and L. Kirk McKay, Jr. Archives Center
Welcome to the Sarah D. & L. Kirk McKay, Jr. Archives Center at Florida Southern College. We are located on the northwest part of campus next to the E.T. Roux Library. The reading room is located on the second floor of the archives building, and offers exceptional views of some of the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings. Most of the Archives’ collections are open for research to the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ community and general public. We are available to answer any research questions you may have.
McKay Archives serves as the repository for the records and history of Florida Southern College as well as manuscript collections related to the college and the broader Lakeland area.
McKay Archives is also the home of the Thomas B. Mack Florida Citrus Archives and the .
Come visit us!
We are open Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
Please contact us for an appointment at (863) 680-4453 or via email at archives@flsouthern.edu
See Florida Southern College's academic calendar for any holiday closures.
How Can the Archives Help You?
Research Tips and Consultations
Explore the Archives
Please follow the below links to view finding aids of our processed collections as well as links to our digital collections and exhibits.
Manuscript Collections are unpublished papers of an individual or entity. Our archives include papers from alumni, faculty, public servants, and organizations significant to the history of ¹û¶³´«Ã½, Lakeland and Central Florida.
The College Archives contain the organizational records of Florida Southern College. Within the archives are the stories of each department and organization that has made ¹û¶³´«Ã½ what it is today.
Thomas B. Mack Citrus Archives
The Thomas B. Mack Citrus Archives include papers, research, business records, and ephemera related to the Florida Citrus Industry. These are the stories of the people and organizations who made citrus one of the most successful agricultural operations in the country and a significant part of Florida's history.
Explore our Digital Collections
Florida Southern College History
Learn about the history of ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s history and traditions, including our championship athletic programs, past presidents, and so much more!
Florida Southern College Digital Collections
View digitized scans of Frank Lloyd Wright's correspondence with Dr. Ludd Spivey, The Child of the Sun Photo Collection, the work of Shirley Jackson Case, and various publications including the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ student newspaper and yearbooks.
Thomas B. Mack Citrus Archives Digital Collections
Florida Southern College maintains one of the largest known collections of the unique and historic citrus crate and can labels. We also have digitized photographs and beautifully designed postcards that tell the story of the citrus industry.
Visit our Digital Exhibits Created by our Dedicated Work-Study Students, Volunteers, and Staff Members
Explore the history of Florida Citrus Crate Labels, remember the hard-working men and women of the citrus groves, and learn about the tragic fire at the Ringling Brothers Circus in 1944. Be sure to check back often, as exhibits are added all the time.
Watch the Story of Frank Lloyd Wright's Vision for the College
Did you know that Florida Southern College is home to the single largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings in the world? The designer of such famous works as the Guggenheim Museum, the Imperial Hotel, and Fallingwater left his mark on our small campus. This mini-documentary created by WEDU-PBS tells the story of Frank Lloyd Wright's vision for the "Child of the Sun" campus which was, notably, largely built by the students. (note: external link)
Discover Interesting Stories, Finds, and Anecdotes Through Blog Posts Written by McKay Archives Students, Staff, and Volunteers
This is where we talk about the interesting things we find as we work with some of the collections in our care.
Questions? Please Contact Us
