Ranke Library

Ranke Library is a research building in University Hill that features brick walls and terracotta details designed in Romanesque Revival style by architect Archimedes Russell in 1889. The structure houses a historical collection of handwritten documents, early printed books, and papers from European sources.

Syracuse University acquired the private collection of Leopold von Ranke in 1887, outbidding the Prussian government in the process with approximately 21,000 items. This purchase made the library the third largest book collection in New York state.

The collection contains 17,000 books, 4,000 pamphlets, and 430 manuscripts, including first editions of Martin Luther's Table Talk and Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography.

Visitors should contact the Special Collections Research Center in advance to arrange access to the materials on site. The historical collection is not freely accessible and requires prior arrangement.

The collection holds reports from Venetian ambassadors stationed in European capitals as well as chronicles and political documents from Tuscany written in various languages. These papers offer rare glimpses into diplomatic correspondence and regional history of early modern Italy.

Location: Syracuse

Inception: 1889

Architects: Archimedes Russell

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

Made from material: brick, terracotta

Part of: Syracuse University Libraries

GPS coordinates: 43.03843,-76.13543

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:05