Archived Content

Soviet Collection

The Hoover Institution Library & Archives houses many collections. Founded in 1919 by Herbert Hoover, the Library & Archives is among the world’s most important repositories for unique archival materials and rare publications on political, social, and economic change in the modern era. 

The Hoover Archives specializes primarily in unpublished materials (personal papers, sound recordings, posters, etc.). With nearly 1 million volumes and more than 6,000 archival collections from 171 countries, Hoover supports a vibrant community of scholars and a broad public interested in the meaning and role of history. The archives of the Soviet Communist Party are a treasure trove of documents related to all aspects of life and governance under Soviet rule in Russia, from 1917 until 1991. The collection is a critical tool for understanding the totalitarian regime of Joseph Stalin. Retrieval requests should be placed in advance through an Aeon account with a scheduled date of use. Users are encouraged to submit requests at least two days in advance, as not all materials are immediately available. Users may check their Aeon account to find out when materials are available and on hold for use. 

William Russell Philp collection

The William Russell Philp collection consists of intelligence reports, interrogation records, maps, and photographs relating to American counterintelligence activities during and after World War II. The collection includes Joaquim von Ribbontrop’s personal photograph album from the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Non-aggression Pact on August 23, 1939. The album features rare and unique pictures of Joseph Stalin found nowhere else in the world. 

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Soviet Poster Collection

The Hoover Library & Archives houses more than 33,000 rare and valuable Soviet posters from the era of Stalin’s rule. The posters provide unique insights into the uses of propaganda within authoritarian states. The posters can be viewed online through Hoover’s digital portal.