Established in 1950, the American Historical Collection consists of some 12,000 books, 16,000 photographs, and other materials related to the American experience in the Philippines and to the relationship of the two countries. With the possible exception of the holdings of the Library of Congress, it is the largest, most diverse and most complete in the world.

 Ambassador Myron Cowen, who saw the devastation wrought by the war on many things including the memory of the times preceding it, encouraged the American community to donate books and other materials pertaining to the first half of the 20th century. His initiative was responsible for the early phase of the collection.
 
The collection used to be at the Thomas Jefferson Center at Makati after it moved from its original site at the U.S. Embassy. It is now kept at the Rizal Library of the Ateneo de Manila University. The Rizal Library is committed to preserve the collection following the high standard it uses when conserving its own holdings. Furthermore, it is committed to facilitate the research of scholars. 

AMERICAN HISTORICAL COLLECTION

3/F Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines

Tel : (632) - 4266001 local 5567 Fax : (632) 4265961  Email : ahc@admu.edu.ph