American Archives Month takes place every October, highlighting the value of historical records and the work of archivists. At the Miami University Libraries, we are celebrating by showcasing the vibrant narratives preserved within our walls and the stories that have grown from our rich soil.
The Walter Havighurst Special Collections and University Archives is a vital part of this yearly celebration. In this hub, Miami University’s vibrant past comes to life. This year is particularly special as we welcome Ani Karagianis, our new University Archivist. With a passion for accessible history and community engagement, Ani and the staff and librarians are leading the charge to bring institutional history directly to our students, faculty, and local community through an exciting lineup of events throughout the month.
Unboxing a Legacy: A Look at the Wells Hall Time Capsule
Friday, September 18 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (King Library, Room 320)
Kick off the festivities early as we unseal history. Join University Archivist Ani Karagianis for a look into the contents recovered from the historic Wells Hall time capsule. Discover the artifacts, letters, and everyday items left behind by past Miamians, offering an intimate window into campus life from decades past. Create your own letter to be placed in a University Archives time capsule! Register to attend at: bit.ly/TimeCapsuleRSVP
Bricklayer, Gate-Crasher, Superfan: Celebrating and Preserving the Legacy of Harry Thobe
Friday, October 9 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (King Library, Room 320)
Few figures in Miami history match the colorful eccentricity of Harry Thobe, the self-proclaimed superfan whose red-and-white megaphone and uninvited game appearances became game-day lore. This presentation will examine Harry Thobe’s life and legacy as both a bricklayer and a baseball superfan, which ultimately landed him a spot in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It will also discuss the conservation work that was performed on the delicate materials in the Harry Thobe Collection. The freshly conserved Harry Thobe Collection will be out on full display as we celebrate the completion of this grant project.
Our People Believe in Education: The Unlikely Alliance of the Miami Tribe and Miami University
Tuesday, October 13 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (King Library, Room 320)
Join the Miami University Libraries as we host Cam Shriver, Myaamia Research Associate, Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of History; and Bobbe Burke, Miami Tribe Relations Coordinator, Emerita, for a discussion of their new book, Our People Believe in Education: The Unlikely Alliance of the Miami Tribe and Miami University.
Cam Shriver and Bobbe Burke will tell stories that explain the unique connection between the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University. Join us for the talk, a Q&A, and an accompanying exhibit displaying some of the archival resources critical to this story. There will also be an opportunity to purchase the book and to have it signed.
Written in the Western Stacks: The Love Story of David & Lana Rook
Friday, October 23 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (King Library, Room 320)
David and Lana Rook’s Miami merger didn’t start in undergrad. Instead, it took an extraordinary woman, Mary Yaple, a connection to Miami through Western College, and David’s passion for military history. Join us as we sit down with the Rooks to talk about their journey to and through the Miami University Archives.
Do You Really Want To Save That?
Thursday, October 29 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (King Library, Room 320)
Allen Bernard, researcher and deltiologist, will discuss the sacredness of the archival holdings and how collections resonate with people by creating a legacy.