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 Updated: 8/31/2009 
McCune Rare Book and Art Collection
Vallejo, California
Description

The McCune is a hands-on rare book collection. It contains a leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, 6 incunabula, a 1517 edition of Virgil with over 200 illustrations. This collection is a history of printing from the 15th-21st century with many famous printers represented. The unique thing about this collection is that we encourage people to actually sit down to read and examine the books and art. This means hands-on review of our items. We want individuals to feel 400 year old paper and binding and see the intricate details in some of the books. The McCune is entirely staffed by volunteers.

History

This collection was built by Dr. Donovan J. McCune. He donated the collection to the Vallejo Library. When a new library was being built, Dr McCune helped design the room in which his collection would be displayed. It was opened in 1970.

Artifact Collections

Gutenberg Bible Leaf (ca 1450), 6 complete incunabula and a number of individual incunabula leaves, collection of latin books 1500-1800s. Collection of Ashendene Press, Kelmscott Press (including Kelmscott Chaucer), Doves Press, Nonesuch Press, Grabhorn Press, John Henry Nash. Collection of 19th-20th century printing magazines. Working 1852 Albion Printing Press. Henry Evans portfolios of botanical prints. Many additional famous workers of printers.

Research Collections

Gutenberg Bible leaf. Kelmscott Chaucer. Incunabula. Nonesuch Press. Ashendene Press. Doves Press. Book Club of California.

Programs

The McCune offer 3 lectures in the spring and 3 in the fall. These are admission free. The McCune also offers free tours of its collection merely by emailing (mccunecollection@gmail.com) to set up a reservation.

Governance

Board

Library

Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members

Appointment required: False

Services
Event Rental
Street Address
505 Santa Clara St
Vallejo, CA 94590
Mailing Address
JFK Library
505 Santa Clara St
Vallejo, CA 94590
phone: 707-644-0764
e-mail: mccunecollection@gmail.com
home page: www.mccunecollection.org
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Hours of Operation

1st and 3rd Tuesday of month from 2-4 pm and by appointment. Free lectures on 3rd Sunday of month in Spring and Fall starting at 2 pm.

Sunday, Tuesday2 PM - 4 PM
Admission
Museum Type(s)
Art
History
Library
Specialized
Staff
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