New Athletics Exhibit Open

In keeping with tradition, the archives kicked off the new school year with by installing a new gallery exhibit.

The focus of this year's display is Delaware State University's vibrant athletics history. It features athletics artifacts and photographs spanning from as early as 1950 through the current day.  Archival photographs represent our oldest history while more recent history is represented through signed jerseys, game balls, and other paraphernalia on loan from the athletic advising department. The room is additionally festooned with historic pennants from the Prettyman family collection.

I invite you to come view the exhibit. The gallery is open during library hours of operation from 8:00 am until 12:00 am Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturday, and 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Sunday. See you soon!

Archives Artwork in the New Dorm

Strips of Hornet newspapers
make up this wallpaper

Hello Archives Friends! You may have seen the university's recent Facebook posts about the opening of Tubman Laws Hall or the flikr images from move-in day. If you have, you've seen a beautiful, modern, comfortable space for students to live, study, play, and relax.  Did you know, however, that the university archives made significant contributions to the interior decor?

For a year and a half, I worked to provide a design contractor with archival materials. The archival images, historic slogans, vintage hornet, and Hornet student newspapers were transformed into unique interior decor features.

The most obvious feature is a mural of significant university figures and buildings. For the students walking by, the mural looks like an awesome collage of hand-drawn figures.  To me, and maybe my astute patrons, however, I can pinpoint specific photographs that helped to create this work of art. Additional features include wallpaper in the mailroom which is made from strips of Hornet newspapers, framed black and white images on the walls, a historic campus map framing the bricks and cornerstones from Tubman and Laws, and the vintage Hornet mascot that graces the wall behind the front desk in the entry way.

I never got to see the mock-up art before its final installation, but I'm glad.  It was far nicer to be surprised by the final product.  In the end, this is yet another way that the archives is making its presence felt on campus and contributing to the university.

Do you see this barn and tractor in the collage below? 

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!

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! 

New Alpha Kappa Alpha Exhibit

Hello Archives Friends! It is my very great pleasure to announce that a new exhibit has been installed in the archives gallery.

The ladies of the Epsilon Iota Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. worked tirelessly to curate and install an exhibit that celebrates the history of their chapter and the many achievements of their members.

The artifacts found in the display include an initiation medallion of a charter member, Meeting minutes from the 1950's, articles of clothing and accessories, Boule bags, and the portraits and biographies of  many talented, local women.

This exhibit is the pinnacle of a partnership that was first formed a year ago.  I am grateful to the AKAs for their donations of historic records to the archives and their unwavering support for my work. Special thanks to Ruby Coppadge, Ernestine Adams, and Peggy Swygert for installing the exhibit.

The exhibit will be on display for the month of October.  To view it, please stop by the gallery anytime Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:00. 

Exhibit Materials Available in Braille

 How cool is this?! Several months ago, while the DSU history walking tour project was still in the planning stages, I and a colleague were working to review the exhibit's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  In the course of the meeting, the idea of publishing the exhibit text in braille was proposed, and I immediately loved it! After all, the business of libraries is about providing access to information for everybody.

Today it is my very great pleasure to announce that braille copies of the DSU history walking tour have been made available at the William C. Jason Library circulation desk and within the archives!

New Permanent Exhibit Installed!

I am beyond thrilled to announce that after a year in the making, the DSU Archives has installed a permanent, outdoor exhibit on the university's Dover campus.

The exhibit was designed as a walking tour of the campus in order to allow campus visitors to catch a glimpse into the university's 125 years of service. Four trail-side signs are now located outside of Loockerman Hall, the DuPont School (now the health center), the Science Center, and the William. C. Jason Library.  The signs include narrative texts and historic photographs from the collections of the university archives in order to inform visitors. 

I invite you stroll our campus and contemplate the unique history of this university.  Consider our buildings not for their function, but as artifacts and eyewitnesses to the past.  These brick and mortar structures have beheld the evolution of modern society and the arrival of the digital age – from Revolutionary America to the advent of the internet. Please pay us a visit soon!

I have several people to thank: First, this project would not have been possible without the assistance of Derek Street who gave his time freely to design these beautiful signs. At the time of the drafting period last spring, Derek was a graphics design sophomore who had just transferred to Delaware State University.  He was extremely patient throughout the process and was willing to sit with me hours at a time in order to make sure that we put forth our best work. I think the end result proves that he knows his stuff! Thank you, Derek! I'm serious. I couldn't have done it without you.

I also thank the archives intern and fellow, Jasmine Smith and Daniel DelViscio, who also worked tirelessly to help me research, draft text, and select photographs for the signs.  You should both be proud, and I hope you will have the opportunity to come see the final result.

Lastly, I have much appreciation for the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the funding that allowed the curation of this exhibit. [MH-00-13-0013-13]