From Boxes to Words: My First Steps in Archival Work

This semester alongside my project, I have had the opportunity to work as an archival assistant in my school’s library. During this internship, I have been learning how to inventory collections, pull materials, and help make archival resources more accessible. I’ll also be helping a class access archival materials, which i’m excited about because I will get to see students experience research in a whole new light. This work has made me think more deeply about my own archival project with Elizabeth bishops manuscript. When I first started transcribing the manuscript, I was focused on deciphering Bishop’s handwriting and understanding the words on the page. Now, I’m beginning to see the larger process behind those words and how much work goes into preserving, organizing, and sharing history. Working with a variety of materials, from Greek life letters and track team medals to old copies of the university newspaper, dance cards, and photographs, has shown me how many different pieces can contribute to an institution’s history. My internship has given me a new appreciation for archives and the people who help bring these materials to life. It has also helped me understand the importance of making these histories accessible to others. Im excited to continue my work in the archives, and will keep you updated with any new interesting finds. Keep searching, there are always more stories waiting to be uncovered.