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.