My Experience with the University Archives
At the beginning of the semester, my English 30 class was given a run-down of all the papers we would have completed by the end of the semester. When the archival research paper was discussed, I knew then and there that I would want to write about the State Theatre. The historic “State” is important to me because it housed one of my first classes as a freshman here at Penn State: COMM 150. I learned a lot in that film class, and had a great time watching movies in a beautiful, old theatre. Having a class in the State was an experience I will never forget.
When it finally came time to research topics in the University Archives, I was pretty intimidated. I knew that I would find some information on the State, but the process for using the Special Collections material seemed kind of lengthy and daunting. I decided that I would stop worrying about the process of going into the archives by myself and just do it! I came in on a Tuesday, and right off the bat, the staff welcomed me and made me feel…important! Everyone I talked to about my research project got very excited and offered me pieces of advice about constructing my argument as well as anecdotes about their own experiences at the State. One librarian even drove out to another location to find a file for me on the State Theatre that I could use. All of the Special Collections faculty at the desk the day I went in helped me find plenty of material on the State, and did so with joy. Once I had all of the information I needed, I went through it in the “quiet room” a few times, and finally, put together my paper. I could not have done it without the help of the extremely friendly and helpful staff. Sure, reading through old emails was fun (and weird!), as well as looking at old annual programs from the State, but the people who worked in the University Archives library really made the experience for me.
It meant a lot to me to get the chance to recreate the history of a place I felt a connection to through old programs and newspaper articles, and I would gladly encourage my peers to go check out the archives for research or recreation.
