The Archives Make A Comeback
Ryann Langdon | November 6, 2024
Contrary to popular belief, it is neither ancient cryptids nor ghosts of student's past that lurk in the basement of the library. It is the home of the Arthur S. Link Archives, and the space is ready to be dusted off and put into operation once again. Enter the Library Archives Crew; me, Ryann Langdon, and supervisor Jeff Keith.
Keith is a Warren Wilson College (WWC) professor who has assumed the previously vacant position of college archivist.
“I’m honored to take on this new position, and I’m excited for people to learn more about the past through this astonishing and precious resource,” Keith said. “The documents in the archive can and will power thousands of engaging student projects. For now, we’re just looking to get the doors unlocked and the accessioned items on the shelf. With that in mind, I’m so fortunate to have an excellent crew leader.”
As a junior and public humanities major with a passion for sharing stories and stewarding history, I care deeply about the accessibility of history. It has been such an enjoyable adventure thus far to start creating a space that stimulates curiosity among students. When Keith introduced the possibility to join this work and crew last year it was an immediate ‘yes!’
Keith and I would like to extend our utmost gratitude to the Director of the Pew Learning Center and Ellison Library Brian Conlan for managing the archives in the time when we did not have an official archivist, and to Diana Sanderson who dedicated 16 years as the college archivist, and has graciously been volunteering her time to advise the crew.
While there is still a great deal of organization and backlog to attend to before the archives can be fully opened, curious students with questions or in need of research assistance are welcome to contact Keith and/or me or come stop by the Archives Workspace located in the library basement during open hours. Open hours are 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Tuesdays, and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Thursdays.
Although the work is just beginning, Jeff and I have begun to uncover some compelling stories from the college’s history. Stay tuned for a brand new podcast, The Shape of the Valley, where The Echo co Editor-in-Chief Emily Cobb and I will sit down to discuss the stories that emerge from the archives. The first episode will unearth a hidden figure from WWCs past, whose experience here speaks to the history of equity and inclusion at the college.