Annual Christmas Letter, 2018

Dear Archives Friends,

Have you ever wondered where the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Future live? My guess is that they hang out in an archive somewhere.

Although most people would think of an archives as serving the past, in actuality they influence the present to affect the future. Archival institutions document events as they unfold so that, in future, the records may be utilized and the events understood. By providing documentation of the past to university leaders as they shape the future, and by educating students about our history, the archives played a definitive role in the continuance of tradition and the understanding of legacy (the theme of President Mishoe's inauguration this past Saturday). In essence, archives are where the past, present, and future are exist harmoniously.

Throughout 2018 the DSU archives has proudly stood in sidelines supporting and cheering on the broader university.  This year the university celebrated major milestones and commemorated it's past:

• April - The 50th anniversary of the 1968 student demonstrations
• May - The commemoration and closing of Laws Hall
• July - The 25th anniversary of the name change from DSC to DSU
• December - The investiture of the 11th President, Dr. Wilma Mishoe 

For each of these significant events, the University Archives received and facilitated reference requests.  Among the topics researched were the personage of Lydia P. Laws, the legacy of the 1968 demonstrations, administrative records about our name change, how the shift to a university jump-started growth in student population and academic programs, and lastly, the legacy of President Luna I. Mishoe (1960-1987). From each of these research areas the university gleaned data in order to construct a public dialogue about who we have been and what we will continue to stand for on the outset of a new era.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure for another year! Here's to the many more to come.

Cheers,
Joy

Archival Photos in MLKSC

Guess what!  Archival photographs are now on permanent display in the pool hall in the  Martin Luther King Student Center.  

A few months ago the Director of Wellness, Recreation and Campus Events asked me to collaborate with her on the installation of historic photographs in the MLKSC. We wanted the students to have an opportunity to see and appreciate the legacy that they are a part of.  Showing them student faces from the very beginning (c. 1915) until the recent past seemed like the best way forward. Plus, I'll admit the hair styles from back in the day have entertainment value.

The images included show sorority and fraternities, athletic events, student organizations, former Miss Delaware State College contestants, and student life in general. Next time you're in the Martin Luther King Student Center take a look!

Presidential Investitures

President William B. DeLauder gives his inaugural address

On December 8, 2018 President Wilma Mishoe will formally be installed as the President of Delaware State University.  As we await this auspicious occasion, I thought it would be an excellent time to look back at the inaugurations of our former presidents.  What have they traditionally entailed? What can we expect for next month?

The most recent example that we can examine is the inauguration of the 10th president, Dr. Harry L. Williams in 2010. Interestingly, his ceremony was held at the time of convocation which is a traditional, campus-wide gathering held each September to mark the start of another academic year. It seems appropriate that at a time to celebrate a new year, a new era would also be recognized. Dr. William's inauguration featured dignitaries from across the state including politicians from the US House and Senate, the governor, and the mayor of Dover. It additionally included the presidents of the University of Delaware, Wesley College, and Delaware Technical & Community College.  All of these prominent individuals were given the opportunity to speak and welcome President Williams. Following this, representatives of the university faculty, staff, students, and alumni also gave addresses. 

By comparison, President Oscar J. Chapman's inauguration (5th president, inaugurated in 1950) did not include quite so many speeches from dignitaries.  His ceremony more prominently featured music. The ceremony started with the hymn, God of Our Fathers, that was sung congregationally. The program was an opportunity to showoff the talents of the college choir with the singing of Mozart's Gloria form the Twelfth Mass, Laudamus by Protheroe, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and of course the alma mater. If I had to guess, I'd say that President Mishoe's inauguration will include selections from the Gospel choir and perhaps the band.


Beyond all of the speeches, the single most important moment of any DSU president's inaugural ceremonies is the presentation of the medallion and investiture. A medallion is a symbol of authority and is a tradition that is passed down from the middle ages. Historically, a medallion signifies membership in a religious order, guild, knighthood, or a government office. In our university's history, a medallion is commissioned for each new president and is worn at commencements and convocations. Once the president has been given a medallion and thereby sworn in, he (soon to be she) gives an inaugural address outlining his hopes for the future of the university.

On the night following the ceremony, a gala will take place.  For President Williams, it was comprised of a dinner, of course, and talent show showcasing the gifts of faculty members. I confess that I am a bit sad that President Wilma Mishoe's inaugural gala will not include such performances by my colleagues. The gala will instead be combined with the traditional Presidential Scholarship Ball and the performance will be given by The Manhattans and the ever-popular Panama Band.

Based on the archival reference requests that I have received, I can guess that President Mishoe will draw

inspiration from her father's ceremony and inaugural address. As the first legacy president, I know that she keenly feels a desire to honor her father and proudly wears the mantle she is inheriting.

No matter what form President Mishoe's inauguration will take, I, for one, am very proud to serve under her administration and look forward to exciting, fruitful years ahead.  President Mishoe, I wish you many blessings and the best of luck in what lies ahead! It is a wonderful time to be at DSU!

Inaugural program from President Luna I. Mishoe's ceremony

Luncheon following President Luna I. Mishoe's Inauguration

Happy Veterans Day!

I was recently sifting through an unprocessed archival collection when I came across this simple, but intriguing letter from a soldier in Vietnam.  PFC Darrell R. Wall wrote to Delaware State College in July 1969 from Long Binh Post in Vietnam (near Siagon). In his letter, Mr. Wall requests rosters for the 1961-1969 Delaware State basketball teams and any game programs.  Mr. Wall particularly wanted to know the players' names, height, class year, and hometown.  He doesn't say why he is interested in the basketball teams, but I suspect his interests stem from a want of mail and entertainment while so far from home.  Delaware State College of course answered Mr. Wall's letter but hadn't yet formed the 1968-1969 team and couldn't supply him with any stats. 

Dear PFC Wall, wherever you are, first, I'd like to thank you for your service to our country.  Second, in answer to your question, I thought you might like to know that the 1968-1969 basketball team finished its season with a 13-12 record. 

To all Veterans, I am grateful for your sacrifice and value the freedoms you have given me. Happy Veterans Day!

Class of 1993 at Homecoming

Happy 25th reunion to the class of 1993! This past Saturday, October 27, 2018 I was honored to spend a few hours with the class of 1993 in order to show them the archival items that have been preserved from their era.  I listened to their humorous anecdotes about who went before the judiciary board for disciplinary action and why, the classic "one time my roommate..." stories, and memories of sporting events.

Thank you for an enjoyable afternoon! I hope that you all enjoyed the rest of homecoming and hope to see you back on campus soon.

 

W. C. Jason Library Social Media

Hello Archives Friends,

The staff of the William C. Jason Library are working hard to establish new social media platforms and boost patron engagement. We've recently purchased some quality digital camera gear, and with it, we hope to better demonstrate what the Jason Library is all about. We've got exciting things planned, and we want to get the community on board. Please be sure to check out our new twitter (@dsu_library) and instagram (desulibrary) pages.

https://twitter.com/dsu_library
https://www.instagram.com/desulibrary/

New Exhibit Open! The Early College High School Yesterday and Today

Delaware State University has a surprisingly long history of providing high school education. Delawareans today are familiar with the Early College High School charter school founded in 2014, but this institution actually offered "preparatory" education as early as 1893.

 The education program at the State College for Colored Students initially consisted of a normal school that prepared eight-grade graduates to be elementary school teachers.  The normal course of study equipped them with an established system of “norms” or methods for instruction. After three years of pedagogy, the students were awarded a teaching certificate and given the option of pursuing a bachelor’s degree during a fourth year. The teaching candidates primarily learned how to instruct conventional disciplines, but they also explored challenges they would likely face in the field -- such as rural school management or issues of classroom heating and lighting.  

Aside from the obvious need to have a source of pupils for the teaching candidates to practice with, college administrators also realized that students were generally under-prepared to start collegiate studies.  The level of education offered to African American students in wider Delaware was deficient.  This was something that Pierre S. DuPont also knew.  As a result he funded the construction of numerous schools across Delaware, for both blacks and whites. In 1921 his generosity led to the creation of a two-room "laboratory school" on the State College for Colored Students campus.

The addition of the laboratory school drastically improved the education given to local youths and advanced the intellectual reach of students desiring to enter the SCCS.  Consequently, by 1934 the college was able to bolster its admissions requirements and become a truly collegiate institution. At this time it also phased out the Normal Course in favor of a Bachelor’s of Education degree.

The Laboratory School persisted until 1952 when it permanently closed its doors.  By this time William C. Jason High School had opened in Sussex county in addition to Howard High School in  Wilmington.

Fast forward to 2011, Delaware State University resurrected the tradition of a preparatory high school education by drafting a Delaware Department of Education charter school application.The ECHS set out to offer the opportunity for Delaware students to attain up to 60 college credits before graduating high school. DSU also intended for the ECHS to encourage students to pursue STEM fields and targeted those who would potentially become first-generation college graduates for their families.

On August 25, 2014 the ECHS officially opened its doors to 132 ninth graders. Each year since, as the inaugural class moved up, one additional grade has been added and a new ninth grade cohort was welcomed.  The 2017-2018 academic year marked the completion of the high school's growth such that all four grades, ninth through twelfth, were then represented.

The past four years have been full of a series of firsts - first homecoming, first band, first athletic teams, first prom, first graduates, and so much more. This exhibit seeks to highlight these exciting milestones in the history of the Early College High School and revel in their success.  You are welcome to visit the exhibit in the archival gallery during the library's regular hours.  See you soon!

New Acquisition: Audio of President Luna I. Mishoe's inauguration ceremony

The inaugural program, April 12, 1961

Exciting news! This morning the archives acquired an audio recording of President Luna I. Mishoe's inauguration ceremony.

His daughter and our current President, Dr. Wilma Mishoe, recently discovered the recording among her family's private collections. She was kind enough to permit the recording to be digitized and sent to the archives. Although not in possession of the original recording (it will remain with the Mishoe family), I am very excited about this treasure! For the first time ever, I was able to hear President Mishoe's voice.

The recording begins with a deep voice describing the event that's about to be recorded. "The inauguration of Luna Issac Mishoe as seventh president of Delaware State College. Place: Memorial Hall. Time: Three P.M." Organ music begins playing and is followed by the invocation.  Immediately after the college choir begins singing Holy Lord God and if I didn't know otherwise, I would swear they were professional musicians hired for the big day.  Thereafter the event proceeds with a number of speeches from dignitaries until finally President Mishoe offers his inaugural address.

The theme of Dr. Mishoe's speech is "new academic frontiers," and in it he describes the plans he has for the offerings of the college. Among them, Dr. Mishoe highlights his desire to encourage international study that goes beyond simply courses in German, Spanish, and French language. He speaks of major African languages, a study of Asian culture and broader world history.  He additionally vows the college will pursue greater study in natural sciences to include physics, chemistry, mathematics,  astronomy, meteorology, radiation biology, celestial mechanics, and much more.  He vows to construct a new science center.

With the benefit of hindsight, today, we can see that  Dr. Mishoe was successful in all of his desires. The Mishoe Science Center is a physical testament.

Stop in anytime to hear a piece of history.

*Item housed with Presidential Inaugural programs Row 10, Bay C, Shelf 5.

Anniversary of the 1968 Student Demonstrations

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of a series of student-led demonstrations that rocked Delaware State College. I could not have let the year go by without mentioning the historical moments that continue to be among those most widely discussed and debated.

Please note, as an archivist, I am predisposed to base my research in the documentary evidence of the past. Written word does not have a fallible memory. In this case, however, to rely purely on paper  would result in a one-sided story because the majority of DSU's archival records are created by administrators. In order to hear the students' voices I had to have a conversation, 50 years after the fact, with those who led and participated in the demonstrations. Because memories have faded, I was unable to find the answers to all my questions.  The following narrative is what I have pieced together, but I cannot not declare it the "gospel truth."  If you were a Delaware State University student in 1968 I would relish the opportunity to hear your accounts. You may be the key to further understanding this very complex and often confusing series of events.
________

In 1968 the country was in the midst of the civil rights movement.  Delaware State College students were frustrated not only by the political and social climes of the nation, but also of the college.  They sought a number of campus changes - less restrictive visitation rights between male and female dormitories, the removal of rodents from their residences, extended library hours, the development of black studies academic courses, and a greater sense of community with the citizens of Dover.

In March 1968 DSC students held a one-day boycott in support of their demands. According to newspaper articles written in the week following, 800 students skipped their 8 a.m. classes to come together in Delaware Hall.  After a brief meeting they proceeded to Grossley Hall which was at that time the administration building.  President Luna I. Mishoe (father of our current president) was abroad in Europe, but Nathaniel E. Tillman, acting academic dean, agreed to meet with the students at 10 a.m. By all accounts, the boycott was orderly and successful. The News Journal from March 23, 1968 said that both the students and administrators, "provided a textbook example ...of the most effective way to survive a demonstration." In the end, the college agreed to review and correct the rodent situation, open the library an additional two hours on weekdays, and permit visitation by women to the men's dormitories on Sunday afternoons. No disciplinary action was taken against any of the students.

After such a successful outcome it unclear why, just five days later, on March 25 the female students held a sing-in to protest their curfew. The residents of Tubman Hall, who were expected to be in their rooms by 10:00 p.m. left shortly after to gather at the MLK Student Center.  At 11:00 they left the student center and headed to the on-campus apartment of Mrs. Dorothy Harris, Dean of Students. For the next forty-five minutes they sang popular civil rights movement songs and college cheers.

It seems that this time around, the proceedings were more disruptive. Stones were thrown on Dean Harris' porch and the dormitory sign-out sheets were vandalized. Additionally, a fire started in a maintenance building at midnight. Although there was no reason to suspect foul-play, the newspapers reported the student demonstration and the fire jointly. This cast a pall over the events.

Over the course of the next several months, I do not know what the relationship between students and administrators was like.  I also don't know which of the student demands, if any, were met. I can guess however, that the students continued to face some of the same frustrations as well as some new ones. In May of 1968 it all came to a head, and this is where it can get confusing...

In 1967 DSC constructed a new student center and a men's dormitory. By the spring of 1968 neither one had as yet been named, and students had opinions on the matter.  In light of Martin Luther King's assassination in April, the students felt strongly that the student center should be named in honor of Dr. King.  They additionally wanted the dormitory to be named after Medgar Evers. They went so far as to send a written petition to President Mishoe.  Evidently he agreed with their choice and recommended to the Board of Trustees that the building be dedicated in Dr. King's name.

I can only guess that the students never received word from the board as to this decision.  I have spoken to the 1968 President of the Student Government Association and numerous other students present at the time. None of them can recall being informed.  At the same time, however, the secretaries in President Mishoe's office definitively remember ordering programs in advance of the dedication celebration which clearly stated the name of the student center.

Here's what I know happened: On May 10, 1968, President Mishoe, Governor Charles Terry, members of the Board, and other distinguished guests took to the platform to begin the dedication program.  The Governor was just about to begin his address when a rowdy, but small, group of students marched across campus chanting "Student Power!" The SGA president pushed aside the Governor proceeded to name the dormitory and student center.

Disciplinary action against the students was swift.  All the participants in the demonstration were suspended until such a time as they submitted a letter of apology. This course of action by college administrators only incited the larger student body. One week after the dedication, the student body once again occupied Grossley Hall to protest the disciplinary action and again raise the issue of library hours, dormitory visitation, the rats in their living areas, and, this time, the development of a black studies program.

When Governor Terry heard word of the secondary student demonstration he dispatched the National Guard and State Police. The National Guard  had been present in Wilmington as a result of severe rioting, but after the directive from the Governor, they quickly mobilized and relocated to Dover. Armed men with police dogs and tanks (this sounds like an exaggeration to me, but what do I know) stormed the DSC campus. Upon seeing this, the students agreed to walk peacefully to the student center where they met with President Mishoe.  Ultimately, the remainder of the semester was cancelled and the students were sent home.  Commencement was also cancelled, but it was later quietly held off campus.

In the end, the students demands were largely met including the naming of the student center and dormitory in accordance with their wishes. The students wrote their letters of apology and were allowed to return to school the following fall.  Unfortunately, Leroy Tate, the SGA president was suspended indefinitely.  A year later, President Mishoe was gracious enough to work with him to devise a way that would allow him to be readmitted to Delaware State College. Ultimately, Tate chose not to return.

In 2003 the class of 1968 returned to the campus of Delaware State University to officially hold their commencement. In 2010 when a newer student center replaced the old one, Leroy Tate was invited to join the platform party for the dedication in a jovial moment of reconciliation. Today, at nearly every alumni gathering the 1968 demonstrations continue to dominate the "remember when..." conversations.

What do you remember? Did I get it right? I'd love to hear from you! Drop me a line at rscherry@desu.edu.  You are also welcome to come view the many archival documents pertaining to this era. I've included just a small sample below. Click on each photo to enlarge it. 

Society of American Archivists Conference, August 15-18, 2018

Hello from Washington D.C.!  Last week I was privileged to be able to attend the annual Society of American Archivists conference. This was an amazing opportunity to meet and interact with 2,200 archivists and records managers! 

As individuals we met in order to learn from friends and colleagues in order to shape the future of our respective archival institutions.  However, we also came together as a professional body in order to further develop and establish the best practices of our field.

Here are just a few of things I learned:

• There is a difference between a manager and a leader.  One is a job title and the other is a value system. If someday I become a manager, I should foster leadership from all levels of an organization.  Even a student worker can take leadership. 
• In current trends, academic archives are coming alongside community archives in order to show them how to preserve the histories of the underrepresented groups or individuals who would not otherwise be recognized in a government or higher education repository. 
• I need to think more critically about how undergraduates access the DSU archives.  How can the technical terms used in finding aids, er...I mean collection guides... be made clearer?  Are there changes I should make to demonstrate that my office is not purely for my uses but is also a reading room?

The conference was also a time to reconnect with old classmates and friends. We had a laid-back reception at the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum where we snacked on donuts under the watchful gaze of dinosaurs, and pointed our sticky fingers at the hope diamond. We also made new friends a story hour where we regaled each other with humorous tales of our archival (mis)adventures.

At the end of it all, I came home a very tired archivist - a positive sign of a stimulated brain. I am already looking forward to the possibility of seeing my colleagues at SAA in Austin, Texas next year! 

Architectural drawings update

After a marathon session today, I am pleased to say that Phase I of the architectural drawings project is COMPLETED! 

You may remember from last month that I shared my initial work on a lengthy project to make sense of DSU's architectural drawings. Formerly, the drawings were tossed haphazardly into one of our building's basements and had been neglected for decades. After this room came onto my radar, I volunteered to use my powers of librarianship to process the drawings the same way that I would any archival collection.  It is to be hoped that when I am done, the Office of Capital Planning and Environment Sustainability will be able to utilize the drawings with greater ease.

As the project stands today, I have now gained physical control over the drawings thus completing the first phase of processing.  At the very least, I can say that each drawing has been identified by building.  Moving into Phase II tomorrow, I will begin to identify each drawing by electrical, fire systems, structural, furniture plans, etc.  All of this data will be logged into an excel spreadsheet and soon (I hope) passed onto our campus planning managers. 

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these photographs showing the very drastic improvements from those of last month.  Stay tuned for more later!

Although it still looks chaotic, these drawings are separated by building and
identified by the little blue notes. 

Look! We can now see the floor! 

Happy 25th Anniversary Delaware State University

This month we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the name change from Delaware State College to Delaware State University.

In May of 1993 President DeLauder's administration submitted to the Delaware Legislature a document to request a name change from "college" to "university." The request inspired Senate Bill 138 which was sponsored by Senator Herman M. Holloway Sr.  The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and House, and by July 1, 1993 Governor Thomas R. Carper signed the bill into law.


In the twenty-five years since our name change, the university has continued to grow tremendously. By comparison, the fall 1993 enrollment was 3,301 and in 2017 the enrollment was 4.648. In 1993 the college had 178 faculty members, of whom 61% held doctorates. Today the university has 212 faculty members and 89% hold doctorates. In terms of infrastructure the campus grew from 21 buildings to 33 and today comprises 3 campuses.  Lastly, in twenty-five years we grew from having no doctoral programs to five!

In short, remarkable achievements have been accomplished in such a brief time.  As we embark on a new presidency under Dr. Wilma Mishoe, I look forward to seeing how much further this university will go.

To read the university's statement on our anniversary, check out this article: https://www.desu.edu/news/2018/07/25-years-ago-delaware-state-college-became-delaware-state-university 

Back into the basement - Architectural drawings

Well, I'm back at it again! Did I ever imagine I would spend so much time exploring the basements and hidden corridors of DSU's buildings? No, I did not. But I must say that I'm having fun, and my inner-vampire is satisfied.

This summer I am partnering with the office of Capital Planning & Environment Sustainability to make sense of a room full of architectural drawings.  The story goes that for years (perhaps decades), after each construction or renovation project was completed, the project drawings were chucked into this room with no rhyme or reason. Today, the room is packed to the gills with battered and decaying drawings.

Each time the university needs to make physical changes to a building, it is nearly impossible to find the appropriate drawings.  That's where librarians can help. Using the paper handling skills and knowledge of records description or "cataloging" that I know as an archivist, I am able to jump in.

I've been working on this project for the past month. At first it seemed daunting, and I didn't know where to start. By picking one section of the room and focusing on just one box at a time, I have been able to make good headway. The room already looks drastically different from the picture above.  Check back at the end of the summer and hopefully I'll have an updated photo of the finished result.

Laws Hall Time Capsule

Big Day, Today! A small gathering of administrators and contractors met this morning to remove a time capsule from the cornerstone of Laws Hall.  After resting behind the wall for 56, the contents were finally revealed.

It was  tough work to crack open the soldered-shut box, but it served to build the anticipation.
      "If the ghost of Lydia Laws comes out I'm gone," someone joked. Turning to me, "I like you so I might save you."
      "As long as it's not bones, I"m good," said another.
      "Yeah, right! It's the campus turtle or something."
      "There's a snake in there!"

But of course the findings were a lot more mundane. No snakes, bones, or ghosts. Found within was an Echo publication, Hornet newspaper, commencement program, Baccalaureate program, course catalog, and a program for the dedication of Laws Hall. While I'm disappointed by the lack of trinkets or personal notes, I had a good day. The excitement was a reminder of why I love my job.  From one day to the next, I never know what adventure may come.

Lights Out at Laws Hall

Tomorrow afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00, we will be saying goodbye to a much loved residential hall. Laws Hall, constructed in 1962, is slated to be demolished this summer to make room for a new dormitory. You are invited to join us for this last opportunity to enter the building and to take a trip down memory lane. Refreshments will be served.  Hope to see you there!

Yesterday, I, as the archivist, scavenged the building to transfer a few last treasures. Among them are a portrait of Lydia P. Laws,, the "Lovely Ladies of Laws Hall" welcome sign that hung over the entryway, a key box with building keys, RA log books, and a small amount of records. Do you have records or photographs of Laws hall? I would love to meet with you tomorrow.

Honorary Degrees

Congratulations to the class of May 2018! As commencement draws closer, I want to pause to consider the part of the ceremony frequently overlooked by excited graduates and their parents - the conferring of honorary degrees.

As a guest speaker draws to a close, the anticipation is palpable. But before the unending line of graduates can snake up the walkway to receive their degrees, the President must first honor the speaker or distinguished guests with an honorary degree.

What is an honorary degree? Most commonly, it is a doctorate degree awarded to someone who, although he or she has not completed the requisite coursework and assignments, has sufficient field experience to rival a formal education. The degree may also be awarded to someone who commands significant respect within the university community, such as emeritus faculty. The degree is typically referred to as a Doctorate of Humane Letters.

Here at Delaware State University, we have awarded honorary degrees to individuals from all walks of life. They include political dignitaries such as former Vice President Joe Biden, Benjamin Carson, or John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor, the President of the Republic of Ghana. Our past honorees also include cultural titans such as Queen Latifah and Bill Cosby. Check out the list of known recipients below.

The 1985 speaker, Mayor Marion Barry, Jr., arrives by
helicopter from Washington D.C., May 19, 1985

1961: Martin Jenkins
1962: Sterling McMurrin
1963: Thomas Carroll; Walter Aiken
1964: Elbert Carvel; Julius Thomas; Logan Wilson
1965: Leland Hayward; James Nabrit
1966 Robert Weaver
1967 Stuart Udall; Bishop John D. Bright; Reverend Henry Herndon; Dr. Maurice Thomasson, Acting president of DSC
1968: Jack Robinson; William Ryan; Leon Sullivan; Asa Randolph; John McDowell
1969: Herman M. Holloway; Ercell Watson

Mayor Marion Barry, Jr. and entourage

1970: Harriet Williams; King Cheek; Harold Keller; James Baker; Jerome Holland, President of DSC
1971: John W. Lord; William McElroy; Norman Wilder
1972: Sister Mary Elise; James Cheek
1973: Barbara Jordan; Beatrice Henry
1974: Earl Jackson; Barbara Sizemore
1975: Maynard Jackson; Daniel James
1976: Carl Rowan
1977: Pierre DuPont; Walton Simpson; Paul Weatherly
1978: Julian Bond; W.R. Wynder, DSC faculty; William G. Dix, DSC staff
1979: Parren J. Mitchell; James C. Hardcastle, DSC Trustee
1980: Mary Frances Berry
1981: Nicholas H. Rodriguez; Ulysses S. Washington, Jr., DSC Faculty
1982: Walter Faunteroy

1983: Samuel R. Pierece, Jr.
1984: Terrel H. Bell; Crawford J. Carroll; John Robert Price (Posthumous), DSC faculty
1985: Marion Barry, Jr.; James Hazell Williams
1986: Michael N. Castle, Governor of Delaware; Louis L. Redding; Al O. Plant, Jr.
1987: Dr. Luna I. Mishoe; William Granville; Cora N. Selby, DSC Trustee
1988: John Lewis
1989: William H. Gray III, Mr. William H. Davis
1990: Juanita Kidd Stout, PA supreme court; Arthur E. Bragg, DSC Professor Emeritus
1991: A. Richard Barros, DE attorney
1992: Endsley P. Fairman, DE philanthropist
1994: Thomas Richard Carper, DE Governor
1995: Susan Taylor
1996: Benjamin S. Carson, M.d.
1997: Charles M. Cawley, MBNA America Bank
1998: Nikki Giovanni, poet; Dr. Billy Taylor, jazz historian; Edward Loper Sr., artist
1999: Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., J.D.
2000: Dr. Bertice Berry
2001: Dr. William H. Cosby, Sr.; Clifford Benjamin Brown (Posthumous)
2002: Dr. Dorothy Irene Height
2003: Joseph R. Biden, Jr. US Senator
2005: James H. Gilliam Sr., President of Wilmington Housing Inc.
2006: Nathan Hayward III, DelDOT
2008: Clark Kent Ervin, J.D., Homeland Security
2011: Jeff Johnson, investigative journalist
2012: Warren Brown, CakeLove founder
2015: Ann Rosenberg, Global SAP University Alliances; John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor, President of the Republic of Ghana
2016: Denise Young Smith, Worldwide Human Resources for Apple; Jack Markell, DE Governor; Johnny C. Taylor Jr., Thurgood Marshall College Fund
2017: Lisa Blunt, US House of Representatives; Steve Ewig, Executive Officer of Wade Ford Dealership
2018: James McBride, writer

Look who I found at MARAC

On April 12-15, I attended the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference (MARAC) in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  It's always a pleasure to see my former supervisors, classmates, and colleagues.  This time there was a pleasant surprise. Jasmine Smith, our IMLS intern, is all grown-up and has a job of her own. I took the opportunity to get to know more about her new career at the Library Company of Philadelphia. 

Q: What is your new job? 

A: My job is divided into two roles: reference librarian and specialist of African American history.  My role as a reference librarian is to staff the reading room and answer general questions either via email, in person, or over the phone, whereas my role as the specialist is to answer complex questions relating to African American history.  It is also my responsibility to page and shelve materials used by readers; familiarize new readers and fellows on how to use WolfPAC, fill out call slips, explain reading room procedures, and suggest research materials. I also manage the Facebook page for the program in African American history and assist with blog posts. 

Q: What is your favorite part of working for the Library Company?

A: I am constantly surrounded by highly education scholars who are working towards future publications. I enjoy this aspect about my job because it allows me to increase my knowledge on subjects that I am unfamiliar with or have a different perspective on. 

Q: Are there any interesting collections that you've worked with so far? 

A: The Amy Matilda Cassey album is my favorite collection at the moment. Amy Matilda Cassey was a very prominent African American, middle-class woman who was involved with the anti-slavery movement in Philadelphia. Her friendship album dates from 1833 until 1856 and has signatures from activists and abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, Robert Purvis and more.  This is an important document because it describes how life was for middle class African American men and women during a time of segregation. 

Best of luck to you, Jasmine! 

Some links of interest: 

http://librarycompany.org/2017/10/18/welcoming-jasmine-r-smith-to-the-library-company/ 

All my ducks in a row

For this one, bright, shining moment, I get to say that I have all my ducks in a row... but only because I have literal ducks in a row. Today the archives received a donation of ten waterfowl decoys created by Mr. Douglas A. Gibson '50.

Mr. Gibson has practiced his art form for more than 30 years and has received recognition at the Canadian Art Exposition and the Nur Temple. He has additionally been showcased at the Eastern Waterfowl Festival and the Ward Brothers Foundations' Best in the World Competition, both of which are "by invitation only" events. In 2004, he was invited to be the Delaware representative for waterfowl carving at the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival in Washington, D.C. When one sees his beautifully hand carved and painted birds, there's no question why.

Mr. Gibson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts from Delaware State College and a Master of Science degree in School Administration from the University of Delaware. He taught Architectural Design at Delaware Technical & Community College for more than 20 years. He is known for his design of the Delaware Agricultural Museum and several churches in Delaware and Maryland.

The decoys will be made available for viewing and research.  The birds depicted are:

• Mallard Drake, 2018
• Canada Goose, 2016
• Bald Pate Widgeon, 2004
• Canvas Back Drake, 2008
• Shoveler, 1993
• Scaup Blue-Bill, 2001
• Mallard Hen
• Carolina Wood Duck, 2014
• Green Wing Teal-Drake, 2008
• Green Wing Teal-Hen, 2013

Prettyman Family collection now fully processed

Hey Y'all! Check out the Prettyman Family collection finding aid!

The Prettymans are a legacy family who have been in attendance at Delaware State University for more than three generations.  In 2011 Noble W. Prettyman donated a collection of records and artifacts saved by his paternal grandmother, Effie Aiken Prettyman (class of 1913), his mother Katherine Deshields Prettyman (class of 1933), and brother, James A. Prettyman (class of 1969). Although the collection has received some processing treatments in the past, I gave it some needed TLC.

The collection is unique by virtue of the fact that items from the 1910s can be compared to the 1960s and beyond. Here one can research a family's shared past and yet see differences in their experiences. The collection can also be distinguished from others at the DSU Archives because it contains a significant number of three-dimensional artifacts. Within the collection are found vintage clothing, promotional buttons, event programs, and photograph albums.

Personally, I am most fascinated by an album of created by Katherine Deshields Prettyman between 1917 and 1930. The majority of photographs within show happy students posing on the campus of the State College for Colored Students. I love the fashions. If it were not for the clothing, I could imagine these people were on the campus today. For me, it is fun to see a picture of two girls standing on the steps of Conrad hall (above) and know that  I can go stand in the same place.

The Prettyman Family collection is available for public research and can be viewed in the William C. Jason Library between 8 and 4 Monday through Friday.  You are always welcome!

The first pages of Katherine DeShields Prettyman's photo album contains notations about the subject matter of the photographs. So often today, historic photographs are not labeled and it's impossible to know who or what is pictured. I'm glad she took time to record these memories.  

International Women's Day 2018

In honor of International Women's Day I'd like to share an editorial entitled "The Evolution of Woman,"written by Cecie E. Parker, the librarian of the State College for Colored Students.  Ms. Parker's editorial appeared in The Echo from April 13, 1910.  As a woman in possession of a bachelors and masters degree, and as an employee of Higher Education, I'm grateful to the women who came before me. I salute those who courageously stepped forward to earn and defend a woman's right to higher education.  More specifically, thank you to Ms. Parker, my librarian kinswoman. 

"The college woman of today has exploded many old theories regarding higher education for her sex...And while she had a long and up hill fight against the deep seated prejudice for equal opportunities, yet she has proved that the increased advantages of the present century, have made her not less but more normal, sensible, lovable and essentially feminine." - Cecie E. Parker in 1910. 

New exhibit now open! DSU Aviation and the Tuskegee Airmen

Did you know that the DSU aviation program started in 1939? Did you also know that one of the graduates became a Tuskegee Airman? Come learn all about it from the newly installed exhibit DSU Aviation and the Tuskegee Airmen. 

The exhibit seeks to cast light on the lesser known facts of the university's aviation program as well as individuals with connections to both the university and aviation industry.  This includes our former president, Luna I. Mishoe, who unbeknownst to many, was an intelligence photographer with the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II!  Exhibit visitors will additionally learn about Brigadier General Ernest Talbert (USAF retired), Senior master sergeant Henry L. Smith, and Dr. Daniel E. Coons founder of the DSU airway science program. 

The exhibit's contents include items on loan from the DSU aviation program and the featured individuals, as well as historic photographs from the DSU archives collections. The exhibit will run through the end of the spring semester and is open to the public.  If you stop by, please be sure to sign the guestbook by thanking General Talbert, SMSgt Smith, Dr. Coons, and President Mishoe for their military service. 

Have you ever wanted to play with the buttons in a cockpit? Come try it out! 

Founder's Day 2018

Good Morning Friends,

I wish to invite you to the annual Founder's Day celebrations to be held on February 8, 2018 in the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center at 11 a.m. The program will include a showing of the recently released documentary, "A Legacy of Opportunity: The History of Delaware State University." The event is open to the public, so I hope that you will join us in honoring where we have come from and where we, as a university, hope to go in the future.

For questions, please contact Brenda F. Farmer, Executive Director of University Events and Ceremonies at 302-857-6082 or bfarmer@desu.edu.

DSU Documentary released

UPDATE: Unfortunately, the documentary has been removed from YouTube. However,  you can still catch the film on PBS (Channel 12 and 512 Philadelphia). It will air as follows:

February 16th, 5 p.m.

February 18th, 2:30 p.m.

February 19th, 5 p.m.

ORIGINAL POST:

I have exciting news for the Hornet community! Over a year ago, the Delaware Humanities Forum commissioned a documentary to be produced by my good friends at 302 Stories Inc. The project was initially spawned in recognition of the university's 125th anniversary and serves to examine the struggles and growth of this university during that time.

The film heavily features archival photographs that were taken from the university archives.  I am so proud of the work that has been done by my predecessors, my fellows, and myself that made this project possible.  Without having exhaustive collection descriptions for photographic materials, I would not have been able to facilitate this project with the ease that I did.  Thank you to all who played a vital role in the development of this repository!

Having seen the final product, I hope you will agree with me that the archival holdings featured are a credit to this university and were displayed in a beautiful, and compelling manner.  Many congratulations and thanks to Jeanne and Mike at 302 Stories for telling our story.

MLK Day and Musings of Samuel L. Conwell on January 15, 1898

Today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on the history of race in the United States, the struggle for equality, and the lives of Dr. King and others who paid too high a price.  I hope that you will join me in contemplating the current racial tensions in this country and praying that we, as individuals and as a nation, may find a way toward unity.

Last week I stumbled upon some very apropos musings written by Samuel L. Conwell on this exact day, 120 years ago.  As an instructor, and as the secretary to President William C. Jason, Mr. Conwell was central to the early development and survival of this university.  In the passage from January 15, 1898, transcribed below, Mr. Conwell describes his viewpoints about the economic disparities between races which he believed were compounded by educational disparity.

“January 15, 1898, Business side of life needs to be cultivated more and more among our people. If we would but improve in finance, as we ought. It is marvelous how we loose because we are in want of such training, and it is wonderful the progress other races are making because of their knowledge of business. And indeed by degrees we are gaining daily in the new vocation of our existence.  We need to save money thus to be able to act when opportunity presents itself. Many of us would be in business had we the capital and many more of us would have capital if we had been taught and practiced economy. To know how and when to spend a dollar is one of the secrets of success. It takes years for a people to learn all these things and apply them as we should. Careful management of what we have and an industrious habits  - which enable us to get more will eventually bring us to the place we may live in what is called 'easy circumstances'.  So may we be prompted by the proper and honest motives to improve our opportunities in this important task. Yours truly, S. L. Conwell"

I wish that I could go back in time to be a fly on the wall in the lives of people like Mr. Conwell and President Jason.  What must they have experienced as highly intelligent men living in the time between the civil war and the civil rights movement?  Did they feel blessed as compared to their black peers, or did they feel trapped by the conventions of society? Both? How much more might they have accomplished if they lived in a fairer world? I also wish that I could know what Mr. Conwell meant by "easy circumstances." To what does he refer? A life of leisure? Material possessions? Fair treatment by white society?

Whatever the case, I am sure that Mr. Conwell would be proud of what this institution has become and the standing it has attained as a business entity.  I believe he would take pleasure in knowing that its students are multinational and competitive in their chosen fields. He would also appreciate the diversity of subjects and vocations taught here, not the least of which being business and economics.

I hope that in the progress of time, Delaware State University, and our nation in general, will continue to strive for equality, success, and greater opportunity for all its people. Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Book of handwritten college notes and musings by Samuel L. Conwell recorded between 1896 and 1900