A presentation about the use of archives, the discovery of a collection of I. V. Williamson's papers and how to archive personal photographs.

1. Archives Presentation:
The George Heckler
Archives and the I. V.
Williamson Papers
By Lesley Carey
February, 2018

2. What are archives and what do they
do?
• Archives are the protectors of records of enduring value and human
experience that can include: letters, documents, photographs, sound
recordings, and digitally born materials.
• Professional Archivists preserve, organize and describe archival
materials to create greater access to these materials.
• This access proves that events really happened. This documentary
evidence moves us towards a more complete understanding of
historical events and towards a more complete historical record. This
helps us to better understand and learn from our past.

3. The archives exist to
support the mission of
their parent institution.
Archives are used by those both
inside and outside of an
institution.

4. Where can I see some of Williamson’s
archival materials?
Strine Library Case
• Changed each academic
year.
Shrigley Library cases
• Changed twice a year.
Lobby case
• Changed every 6 weeks.
• Class photographs in
Williamson’s hallways.
• Our digital archive page:
http://digitalcollections.powerlibr
ary.org/cdm/landingpage/collecti
on/awsmt-wtsh
• Our digital page represented in
Digital Public Library of America:
https://dp.la/search?q=Williamso
n+College+of+the+Trades

5. Make an appointment to visit
the archives:
archives@williamson.edu
For specific reference questions:

6. Finding I. V. Williamson’s papers

7. Processing Williamson’s papers

8. I.V. Williamson’s
financial papers;
Include personal objects, financial and legal
documents, documents about philanthropy and
biographical documents.

9. A letter to I.V. Williamson, 1882 I.V. Williamson’s RR passes

10. How can I preserve
my own photographs
and documents?
Backup, Backup, Backup!

11. Photographs are not safe or
preserved on your phone or on
social media.
• Computer or external hard drive backup.
• Cloud backup
• Print copies, store correctly

12. Best storage for photographs at home:
Flat in archival folder with paper
in between.
In file boxes or archival photo
boxes.

13. Where is the safest place to keep my
personal archive?

14. Safest place after floods or fire:

15. My contact info: Lesley Carey
archives@williamson.edu
610-566-1776
View these slides on slideshare:
Questions?

16. Thank you!