Every historical document, photograph, and print tells a story—but how do we decide which ones are worth keeping? Whether it’s box upon box of family letters, local historical documents, or institutional records, the line between priceless history and clutter isn’t always obvious. Join us on October 29, 2026 at noon in King Library, Room 320 for an engaging look at the real-time decisions that shape our historical record.
To mark the finale of this year’s American Archives Month, the Miami University Libraries is pleased to present “Archives: Do You Really Want to Keep That?” for an engaging look at the real-world decisions that shape our historical record. Featuring Dr. Allen W. Bernard, historical researcher and former President of the American Historical Print Society, this talk dives into the practical dilemmas facing libraries.
The central question is no longer just “Is this worth keeping?” but “Do we actually have the room to store it?” Dr. Bernard will shed light on the everyday balancing act archivists perform to preserve meaningful collections while managing limited space and resources. With his broad experience as a collector, preservationist, and researcher, Dr. Bernard offers a unique perspective on evaluating what is truly worth keeping for future generations.
During this lunchtime presentation, you will discover how preservation experts navigate cultural changes and push back against political or personal efforts to restrict ideas. Whether you are passionate about history or simply curious about how public knowledge is preserved, join us to see what it takes to keep our shared past alive.