What: A Preservation Workshop
When: December 9, 2009, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Where: Pallister Conference Room, Jerome Library, BGSU

Presented by the Ohio Preservation Council and Intermuseum Conservation Association, this workshop is for anyone who cares for collections of libraries, museums, government agencies, churches, or non-profit organizations.

Learn about the difference between preservation and conservation, how to prepare for a disaster, what resources are available on the internet, and much other useful information.

RSVP by December 7, 2009 to ensure plenty of information packets.

Retiring from teaching in 1982, Betty joined the staff of the Center for Archival Collections, researching topics in northwest Ohio history. She wrote The Marblehead Lighthouse: Lake Erie’s Eternal Flame, published in 1996, and was responsible for encouraging the donation of a number of manuscript collections to the CAC, including those of the Canal Society of Ohio.

2010 marks BGSU’s 100th Anniversary. Looking forward to that celebration, CAC staff and student workers chose the Centennnial as our theme for Halloween decorations. Seen in the grouping above, are two small Centennial-themed pumpkins flanking a portrait of BGSU’s first president, Homer Williams. The pumpkins seen at right are Freddie and Frieda Falcon.

Much more impressive with the lights out, President Williams and Freddie wish everyone a Happy Halloween and a great Centennial year!

In keeping with our Centennial theme, remember to check out the BGSU Trivia Quiz. One new quiz will be posted each month at:
Trivia Quiz. When using the interactive version, please be patient while the application loads.

The CAC celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a program of presentations by our researcher-friends, a social hour and dinner on September 10, 2009. The event was held at Nazareth Hall in Grand Rapids, Ohio.

Dr. James Bissland, our keynote speaker, discussed the ways in which the CAC’s collections had helped him write his new book, Blood, Tears, and Glory: How Ohioans Won the Civil War.

Dr. Janice Gerda’s presentation focused on the continuing usefulness of CAC’s National Student Affairs Archives in her research and in the development of her profession.

Dr. Edmund Danziger was “there at the birth” of the CAC and recalled its founding. The CAC provides a unique opportunity for his students to use primary sources in their classwork.

Brenda Ransom, now Wood County Records Manager, recounted the history of the CAC’s relationship with the local governments in our region and the vital service performed in microfilming and making their records accessible to the public.

Dr. Matthew Daley of Grand Valley State University was a graduate student at BGSU when he learned about the Historical Collections of the Great Lakes. He described his continuing research in our collections and the excitement of introducing others to the discoveries to be made there.

A social and cocktail hour followed the speakers, allowing guests to mingle and renew old friendships. In addition to donors and academics, colleagues past and present were able to chat at length. A multimedia presentation was available, highlighting the people and events of the CAC’s past.

The finale of the evening was a dinner for participants, allowing further conversation.

The Center for Archival Collections will mark forty years of service at a gala celebration on September 10, 2009. Held at Nazareth Hall in Grand Rapids, Ohio, the festivities begin at 3:30, with Keynote speaker, Dr. James Bissland, author of Blood, Tears, and Glory: How Ohioans Won the Civil War. Other featured speakers include Dr. Janice Gerda, Dr. Edmund Danziger, Ms. Brenda Ransom, and Dr. Matthew Daley.  Following a book signing by Dr. Bissland, dinner will be served.  Recognitions and remembrances of some of the significant people and events in the CAC’s history will round out the evening.

The CAC reference area was the scene of a great deal of hustle and bustle.  For ten days in July, staff and researchers made room for construction workers and furniture movers.  The old carpeting was worn and frayed and the tables and chairs had a rummage sale variety.  Card catalogs no longer in use were taking up valuable floor space.

The photograph at left shows the newly-bare floors ready for the installation of carpet tiles.

At right, the new carpeting is in place and ready for furniture.  The CAC Conference Room was also updated during this remodeling, complete with carpeting, and new tables and chairs.

Below, the scene that will greet researchers when they arrive at the CAC. The new service desk allows staff to see the entire reference area and easily lend assistance. Patrons will have more usable area in the reading room. Just a few final touch-ups remain and our remodeling will be complete.

Manuscripts ready for use.

The CAC Reference Area will have a new look soon.  The area will be under construction July 6-15, 2009.  Researchers should come to the 6th Floor for assistance.

2009 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Center for Archival Collections and the Browne Popular Culture Library at Bowling Green State University.  To recognize our twin “birthdays,” a special luncheon was held on April 24, 2009 in the Pallister Conference Room.  Watch this space for further news as we mark this important milestone.

Gallery Feature: Alphabet Soup.  The New Deal paved the way for government investment in the economy.  An explosion of federal agencies and programs, all identified by their initials caused confusion, amusement and hope in the Depression-weary public.  Often referred to as Roosevelt’s “alphabet soup,” the agencies were intended to gather, distribute, and regulate the supply of money.  Our gallery features several pictorial explanations of how the system was intended to work.

The December 2008 Archival Chronicle looks back at BG history with a brief essay and photo album.

Happy Terquasquicentennial!