Milligan’s archives are the place to go for students or alumni in need of old records or various Milligan-related things. The archives are kept under lock and key in the basement of the library in between the music and art books.
“The main thing that archives do is collect and preserve anything that has historical or research value,” said Katherine Banks, Milligan’s archivist.
Banks assists students in finding anything that they need in regards to old records. Her job also requires her to make sure that those documents and items are in good shape.
“We specifically, as a college and soon to be university, focus on our history,” said Banks. “We have letters that Josephus Hopwood received that go back to the 1800s. We have photos of what campus looked like as well.” Banks said that there is a range of materials such as a dress that someone wore in the 50s and a bible that belonged to Robert Milligan.
There are some items online such as photos, old copies of the Stampede, yearbooks and catalogs. “We are working to make a lot more photos available online,” said Banks. “We are currently working with a system to put athletic photos online.”
To view things in the archives, students should make an appointment with Banks and then come in to discuss what they are looking for. “Because these things have such value, we need to take care of them,” said Banks. “Everything is very organized.”
An internship is also being offered for the spring semester. Any major is welcome to apply. “It is an opportunity for any student who is interested to come learn about the archives,” said Banks. She said that it is a great way for students who want to know what Banks does on a daily basis.
Interns will be required to complete projects related to the archives, and the students will also get the chance to design the spring exhibit. Last year, the theme was on the 50th anniversary of Wonderful Wednesday. “Thats a big part of what we do is try to help promote Milligan’s history and let people know about it.” said Banks. She also said students will be able to help make the collection available for other people.
The internship is offered every spring semester. To apply for the upcoming semester, email Banks by Nov. 8 at knbanks@milligan.edu.
Headline photo: Milligan College P.H. Welshimer Memorial Library. Credit to johnsoncitypress.com.