Transcribing Verse into Narrative

As I’ve worked on my archival project, I’ve found myself searching for the best way to explain why preserving historical materials matters. Today, I think I found my answer at a local library book sale. Sitting on one of the display tables were original print editions of Black Beauty by Anna Sewell and collections of Rudyard Kipling’s stories. Now, these books were particularly striking because they transported me back to my childhood and the stories I grew up on. Black Beauty was one of the stories that first sparked my love of reading, and holding a early edition reminded me that books preserve more than the words on their pages.…

Letters From Seamus Heaney: Today I’m spending a day in the archives to continue my research on Elizabeth Bishop’s poetry. After months of digitalized materials and correspondence, I am excited to finally have a chance to see the manuscripts in person. Today I am exploring correspondence between Elizabeth Bishop and the renowned Irish poet Seamus Heaney. Though primarily colleagues and longtime acquaintances, their letters reflect Heaney’s admiration for Bishop as one of the most accomplished poets of her generation. Reading their exchanges feels especially meaningful after discovering one of Bishop’s unpublished poems while studying in Ireland, bringing me full circle as I continue exploring the literary connections that shaped her…

As I continue my transcription of the unpublished manuscript by Elizabeth Bishop, I am reminded that archives preserve more than documents, but preserve connections between people, places, and cultures. Bishop’s letters and travels reveal a world shaped by exchange, curiosity, and encounters across borders. These same forms of cultural exchange continue today. Personally, I have seen this come into play through the FIFA World Cup currently taking place. Friends of mine in Boston have shared stories of the excitement and joy surrounding Scottish supporters visiting the United Staes, many for the first time. My sources have also exclaimed how this cultural exchange has been quite healing to not only Boston,…

My visit to the Yale Archives offered a glimpse into the importance of preserving literary history, reminding me how letters and personal documents can deepen our understanding of writers such as Elizabeth Bishop long after they are written. Exploring the exhibitions and archival collections was an inspiring experience. Seeing manuscripts, correspondence, artwork, and other preserved materials firsthand made literary and cultural history feel tangible in a way that books alone cannot. Among the collections, I was delighted to encounter familiar comics from my childhood alongside remarkable artistic depictions of nature, a reminder of the lasting influence creative works can have across generations. The visit also reinforced the importance of preserving…

If you’re like me and enjoy going to the movie theater, you may have heard about the recent release of The Backrooms, a film based on the internet phenomenon that has become especially popular among my generation. What many people may not know- and something I only recently learned- is that the original image that inspired the Backrooms legends was traced back to its origins through the work of digital archivists and online researchers. Their efforts to identify, preserve, and document the images source demonstrates how archival work continues to shape our understanding of internet culture. This discovery highlights the growing importance of digital preservation. As more of our cultural…

I’m excited to officially begin my summer research project. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been finalizing the copy of “Leda & the Duck” and preparing for visits to archival collections that will help guide my research. This week, I’ll be visiting the archives at Yale University, where I’m looking forward to exploring materials related to my interests and learning more about the work of archivists and researchers. I’m especially honored that the staff have agreed to give me a tour of the collections and facilities. Later this summer, I’ll also be visiting Vassar College, where I hope to learn more about Elizabeth Bishop’s life through her correspondence with writers,…