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!