On Wednesday, October 23rd, Ashelee Gerald Hill and Tanya Zanish-Belcher met with a group of ZSR Ambassadors to introduce the work of ZSR Special Collections and Archives and to provide a special behind-the-scenes tour of the collection and work spaces. What follows are reflections and insights from the ZSR Ambassadors on this experience:

Going behind the scenes of Special Collections and Archives was an amazing experience that really highlighted the passion of the people who work there and the treasures of the archive. After washing our hands, of course, we were encouraged to touch some of the rare books and really interact with the material in a hands-on way. Feeling the texture, weight and form of the objects allowed the teaching to go beyond the content and materialize history. —Anne Jones, WFU ’26

SCA is SO COOL!!! I wish more students had opportunities to tour the BTS to find out about Wake’s most unique resources. —Celina Seo, WFU ’24

I really loved being able to see both old and new items of the collection. I love seeing old books, but it never occurred to me what kinds of contemporary items might be in Special Collections as well, such as the mini book and Maya Angelou’s papers. I feel like I have a better understanding of the kinds of materials that are located within Special Collections, and the different ways that we as students and as researchers can engage with them. —Hope Nitsche, WFU ’25

Even as a student worker in Special Collections I saw things I’ve never seen before! There are so many unique parts of the collection that don’t get shared as much. I particularly loved looking at the miniature books with covers made out of all different kinds of materials! —Meg Campbell, WFU ’25

The tour of Special Collections was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about their work and what they do to keep history alive. We had the opportunity to touch incredibly old books including the smallest book in their collection which was an incredible experience. I am very grateful that Special Collections is committed to preserving and keeping all sorts of books, stories, and most importantly our Wake Forest memories. I would highly encourage students to visit Special Collections and see for themselves their wonderful collection! —Jacquelinne Marroquin, WFU ’25

Getting to see behind the scenes of the Special Collections and Archives was really remarkable, since we got to see so much more of what they do and what they can offer to students. I especially loved getting to see some of the really old books that are stored in SCA. Seeing and touching books from hundreds of years ago was so fascinating, and I really appreciate the opportunity to see these spectacular materials and learn more about them during the behind-the-scenes tour! —Neriah Olivier, WFU ’26