We have talked about the complicated and sometimes contradictory histories that we find in the archives before, and we will again. I wanted to share today how the Special Collections staff and our descriptive practices continue to evolve as we work with artifacts of trauma and suffering. As purveyors of primary documents, the archives are... Continue reading “Describing Sensitive Materials at SCA” ›
Maya Angelou was an author, poet, singer, screen director, playwright, and dancer. In 1969 she published I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the first of her autobiographical works, for which she is best known. Angelou went on to publish four more books of memoirs, as well as many volumes of poetry. In 1993 she... Continue reading “The Life of Maya Angelou: Special Collections & Archives Resources” ›
As we live through historic times, this is a good reminder about the value of the archives in chronicling recorded history. Archives are often thought of as old and dusty, when they are actually the representation of a current moment long past. We all “participate” in history, but we usually don’t think about our experience... Continue reading “Deacon Experiences: COVID-19” ›
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Special Collections & Archives recently published an online subject guide to Earth Day and Sustainability. The guide includes links to primary source material throughout our collections documenting the beginnings of the environmental movement through today. These include items available online as well as located in our... Continue reading “Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day: Resources in Special Collections & Archives” ›
In 1941 the Bowman Gray School of Medicine hosted its first class of 75 scholars. The eponymous school was named after Bowman Gray, Sr. , son of James Alexander Gray, a co-founder of Wachovia Bank. After briefly attending Chapel Hill, Bowman Gray Sr. worked as a bank teller at Wachovia but found more success working... Continue reading “Gray Family Antique Photo Album” ›
This ABCs blog post was written by Nancy Sullivan, Volunteer in Special Collections and Archives. ABCs of Special Collections: M is for… W. J. Cash and Margaret Mitchell In 1900, The Mind of the South author Wilbur Joseph (W. J.) Cash was born in the small town of Gaffney, South Carolina (now home to the... Continue reading “ABCs of Special Collections: M is for…” ›
Relive some of Wake Forest’s most memorable moments in sports with one of our newest Digital Collections! Our WFU Athletics Audio and Video Collection features significant footage and audio recordings covering full games, highlights, interviews, and features from the WFU Athletics department. The online collection currently covers golf, football and basketball, with events as early... Continue reading “New Digital Collection: WFU Athletics Audio and Video” ›
Following the lead of Wake Forest University’s Coronavirus actions, as well as the decisions that the ZSR Library as a whole are making about hours and access, Special Collections & Archives is closed to the public. We recommend checking the website (zsr.wfu.edu/special), or sending an email (archives@wfu.edu) to ask questions or begin your research. Special Collections... Continue reading “Special Collections & Archives Update 3/16/2020” ›
As the Wake Forest University campus charts its way forward during COVID-19 here are some specific updates for Special Collections & Archives (SCA). ZSR Library will stay on spring break hours through March 22, and during that time period SCA will be open by appointment only, 9-5 (Monday-Friday). Check our website for updates and the... Continue reading “Special Collections & Archives Updates and Revised Hours, March 16-20” ›
Jack Coughlin was born in Greenwich, Connecticut in 1932. He illustrated several Dolmen Press books with his unique style of drawing, especially his portraits. Coughlin’s parents are Irish-American and his interest in art led him to study at the Rhode Island School of Design and the Art Students League of New York. He has created... Continue reading “Jack Coughlin, an Artist with Irish Roots” ›