In the News
Muskingum University Received Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board Grant
Roberta A. Smith University Library staff and student workers were busy this past summer working on a special archives project made possible with an Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board grant.
The library houses Muskingum University’s official archives, and the grant provided funding to organize, preserve and improve access to the social and historical archives.
“Preservation of the archives requires the right materials and equipment,” Director of the Library Nainsi Houston said. “The project necessitated the purchase of archival quality storage materials and equipment, which ensures proper long-term preservation.”
Elita Jones, a 2019 graduate of Muskingum University majoring in History and English, co-wrote the grant with Houston helping secure the funds for the project. Jones also is a 2021 graduate of Kent State University’s MLIS (Master’s in Library Science) program and currently the Branch Manager of the Perry County District Library, Somerset Branch. Lorene Kelly, a senior History and Political Science major, worked on the project over the summer as a student intern.
Many of the University archives, which include those of alumni John Glenn and Agnes Moorehead, were not easily accessible by the public. Receiving the grant allows for the preservation, organization and increased accessibility of important items and documents of Ohio history.
University archives serve as the institutional memory of the University by identifying, acquiring, and maintaining records of enduring value that chronicle the development of the institution and ensure its continued existence.
