In honor of the University of Massachusetts Boston’s upcoming 50th anniversary, University Archives and Special Collections is calling for the transfer of founding documents and organizational records from communities on campus. These materials can range from academic departments, administrative units, institutes, centers, and/or student groups. The university’s mission is demonstrated in the department’s collections of records of urban planning, social action, alternative movements, and community organizations.
The importance of archiving these materials stems from the fact that since UMass Boston is a relatively young community, there is a great ability to document its history at the very beginning. By collecting this material, the archives will offer resources that would enable researchers to revisit the genesis material of groups on campus as well as allow student communities to have an access site to reference material regarding their organization.
Several University Archivist staff members are working on this goal. University Archivist, Joanne Riley, Special Projects Archivist/Librarian, Jessica Holden, and Digital Archives and Outreach Librarian, Andrew Elder, are all collaborating on the project “Save Our History!”
According to Jessica Holden, “This project is about documenting the history of the university. Historically we have had some university records, but we really want to grow those collections so we thought that the 50th anniversary would be a good way to get that word out.” Holden also stated, “We have kind of broke down the University Archives into three main categories. We are looking for records, anything that documents the history the structure or history of university, we also collect photographs, and publications.”
“I would say that we are open to any groups. We really want a representation of the university and that includes anyone that is involved with UMass Boston,” Holden added. “The primary purpose of this mission is to preserve them and protect them, and to provide access to researchers. We digitize university publications and photographs on a case by case basis.”
Right now the records of WUMB are being processed. It came to the Archives last year and is a sizable collection. The University Archives are still in talks with various groups and has already received records from the College of Liberal Arts.
Anything that groups have that they think are important or have historical value and that they want to be preserved are welcomed. Student groups and organizations are a big part of the university culture and this is an area where the Archives is looking to get more material. If you have any materials or know of any groups interested in donating, please contact the University Archives.
University Archives launches “Save our History” project in honor of 50th anniversary
April 18, 2014