Celebrate Archives Month at the University Libraries Oct. 30

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The University of Arkansas Libraries invite the campus community to celebrate American Archives Month at an Open House from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, on Level 1 of Mullins Library. Hosted by Special Collections, Preservation and Digital Services, the event showcases the people, collections and preservation work that document and share Arkansas' rich history and culture.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore behind the scenes of Special Collections, Preservation and Digital Services through staff-led tours of archival storage areas, the Preservation workroom and the Digital Services lab. Exhibits will feature highlights from across the division, including the papers of writer James Whitehead and poet Frank Stanford, the photographic collection of Don House, the papers of former Arkansas state legislator Lindsley Smith and paintings by artist William Mayes Flanagan.

Following brief remarks from Dean of Libraries Jason Battles, Associate Dean for Collections and Open Initiatives Jessica Morales and Associate Dean for Special Collections Joshua Youngblood, the evening will feature a special presentation on shape note singing by local artists Cory Winters and Allison Langston. The duo participated in the 2024-2025 Apprenticeship Program supported by Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts, a department within Special Collections. As part of the program, Winters and Langston have been working to preserve and share the enduring tradition of shape note singing, a uniquely communal form of early American sacred music. The presentation will also celebrate Winters' recent achievement: his original tune will be included in the 2025 edition of The Sacred Harp.

Digital Services will mark its 10th anniversary by showcasing how staff use advanced technology to digitize, preserve and share the university's collections. Visitors can also tour the Preservation Lab to see demonstrations in custom box construction, book and paper repair and environmental monitoring.

Additional highlights include the Archival Processing area, where collections are prepared for researchers, and the Morris and Walker Reading Room, featuring modern research facilities and displays celebrating Arkansas legends Florence Price and Fay Jones. University Archives will also display selections from the newly processed University Theatre Show Records.

"Archives Month is our opportunity to remind people that the archives belong to everyone," said Jennifer Day, director of public services for Special Collections. "Whether you're a researcher, a student or just curious about the past, our collections tell stories that connect us all to Arkansas' history."

Join the University Libraries in celebrating Archives Month and discover the spaces, people and collections that keep Arkansas' stories alive.