RBSC at ND – Collection Highlights, News about Acquisitions, Events – Preserving University Art Archives
As an experienced art writer and creative consultant for Pencil and Paint Muse, I am excited to share an in-depth look into the world of Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) at the University of Notre Dame. In our 15 years installing… This renowned archive not only houses an extraordinary collection of artistic and cultural artifacts but also plays a vital role in preserving the university’s rich heritage and making it accessible to scholars, students, and the broader community.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Uncovering the Wealth of RBSC’s Collections
The RBSC at Notre Dame boasts an impressive array of holdings that span centuries and encompass a diverse range of artistic mediums and cultural traditions. From rare books and manuscripts to photographs, maps, and printed ephemera, this repository offers a unique window into the evolution of artistic expression and the human experience.
One particularly fascinating collection is the White Rock Copper Works Shares, a set of 19 parchment documents that provide a glimpse into the financial workings of an 18th-century copper cooperative in Bristol and Swansea, UK. While on the surface these items appear to be dry financial records, when contextualized, they reveal the deep ties between the copper industry and the transatlantic slave trade. By identifying the names of individuals involved in the cooperative who were also active participants in the slave trade, the RBSC team has brought to light the often-obscured connections between economic prosperity and the exploitation of enslaved peoples.
The RBSC’s commitment to uncovering and acknowledging these complex historical narratives is commendable, as it allows researchers and the public to engage with the past in a more nuanced and responsible manner. In this case, the finding aid for the White Rock Copper Works Shares collection deliberately includes the names of each individual listed on the documents, ensuring that the legacy of those who profited from the slave trade is explicitly recognized.
Preserving University History and Championing Diverse Voices
In addition to its rich collection of rare and unique materials, the RBSC at Notre Dame also serves as the steward of the university’s own archives, preserving the institution’s history and making it accessible to the community. One recent spotlight exhibit, “Building a Campus Boycott to Support Midwestern Farmworkers,” shines a light on an important moment in Notre Dame’s past when, in 1980, the university became the first major institution to boycott Campbell Soup products in solidarity with the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC).
This exhibition not only highlights the activism of a small group of dedicated students but also underscores the university’s long-standing commitment to social justice and its willingness to use its platform to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities. By curating this display, the RBSC team has ensured that the stories of these student organizers and the farmworkers they supported are not forgotten, but rather celebrated as integral parts of Notre Dame’s history.
The RBSC’s dedication to preserving diverse narratives is further exemplified by its upcoming exhibition, “Tragedies of War: Images of WWII in Print Visual Culture.” This comprehensive display will explore a wide range of themes, from Fascist racial ideology and the Holocaust to children in war, resistance, and the lasting memories of the conflict. By drawing from the RBSC’s recently acquired European holdings, the exhibition promises to offer a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the war’s impact on individuals and societies.
Fostering Engagement and Scholarship
Beyond its impressive collections and thoughtful curation, the RBSC at Notre Dame is also committed to fostering engagement and scholarship within the university community and beyond. Throughout the academic year, the department hosts a variety of public events, from curator-led tours and lectures to interdisciplinary research seminars and specialized workshops.
One particularly notable upcoming event is the “Medieval Institute Working Group” lecture by Daniel Wakelin of the University of Oxford, which will explore the “Materiality of Medieval Texts.” This collaboration between the RBSC and the Medieval Institute highlights the department’s role in supporting and amplifying the work of scholars from diverse academic disciplines. By providing access to its unique holdings and facilitating engaging discussions, the RBSC actively contributes to the advancement of knowledge and the enrichment of the intellectual discourse.
The RBSC’s dedication to public engagement is further evidenced by its efforts to make its collections more accessible to a wide range of audiences. Through initiatives like the “ColorOurCollections” program, the department invites the public to engage with its materials in creative and interactive ways, fostering a deeper appreciation for the university’s cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The Rare Books and Special Collections at the University of Notre Dame is a true gem, not only for the institution but for the broader academic and cultural community. By preserving a wealth of artistic, historical, and cultural resources, the RBSC team plays a vital role in safeguarding the past and ensuring that its lessons and insights are available to present and future generations.
Through its commitment to uncovering complex narratives, championing diverse voices, and fostering engaged scholarship, the RBSC exemplifies the best of what university archives can accomplish. As an art writer and creative consultant, I am deeply inspired by the RBSC’s work and the way it seamlessly integrates the preservation of artistic and cultural heritage with the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of the human experience.
I encourage readers to explore the RBSC’s collections, attend its events, and engage with its invaluable resources. By doing so, you will not only gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of our shared cultural legacy but also contribute to the ongoing dialogue that is essential for a more informed and equitable future.
Statistic: Studies reveal that engaging with diverse art techniques boosts creative output by over 40%