RPI’s Institute Archives documents the history of the Institute from its founding as the Rensselaer School in 1824 through to the present day, including permanent records of academic and administrative offices, documents pertaining to student clubs and organizations, and Institute publications. Special Collections are comprised of manuscript collections, rare books, pamphlets, and artifacts related to the history of science and technology. Among the department's holdings are the Roebling Collection documenting the design and construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, George M. Low's NASA papers, a substantial photograph collection, photo albums and scrapbooks highlighting student life, and biographical materials on RPI students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
The Roebling Collection documents the personal and professional activities of John A. Roebling and Washington A. Roebling; and business activities of the John A. Roebling's Sons Company. The material dates from 1824 to 1926 with the bulk of the material dating from 1844 to 1883.
The Skilton Family Papers are comprised of the papers of James, Julius and George Skilton, three brothers, natives of Troy and graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The collection focuses mainly on their professional careers with a focus on international affairs, legal issues, engineering discussions, and personal and family matters.