Currently viewing the category: "University Archives"

A Thoroughly Forgotten Duke Figure

On July 20, 2012 By

LEMUEL JOHNSON (15 January 1828 – 29 April 1900) taught for more than thirty years the entire mathematics curriculum at Trinity College when it was a fledgling institution located in Randolph County, North Carolina.

Though there is no present building or other monument to his name at Duke, the Rubenstein Library holds in various collections [...]

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A Different Take on “Yes We Can!”

On July 12, 2012 By

Currently, there is a debate among faculty at the University of Chicago regarding whether or not President Barack Obama’s presidential library should be erected on campus.  Duke University experienced a similar debate in 1981, in what is today referred to as the Nixon Library Controversy.

For a little background, we turn to the Continue Reading →

Wooshes, Whistles, Crowd Roars, and Seal Screams

On June 19, 2012 By

The name Freewater Films is perhaps best known for the film series it puts on in the Bryan Center. But in addition to these screenings, it is also responsible for providing workshops and support for amateur film-making by Duke students and community members.

The origins of Freewater Productions Films can be [...]

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Doodle-Bug-Dumplings

On June 15, 2012 By

This weekend, many folks will celebrate Father’s Day.  I recently processed the personal papers of A. Hollis Edens, Duke President from 1949-1960, and was left teary-eyed by letters written between him and his only child, Mary Ann.  The letters demonstrate such a strong father-daughter bond and provide insight into a closeness that spanned [...]

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From the Rubenstein Wire

On May 30, 2012 By

As we cruise into summer after another busy semester, here’s a rundown of some notable recent news stories about the Rubenstein Library:

New York’s Museum of Arts and Design is preparing an exhibition entitled “Doris Duke’s Shangri La: Architecture, Landscape, and Islamic Art,” according to GalleristNY.  The story features a beautiful photo [...]

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Student Photographs Duke Construction

On May 23, 2012 By

One of the best parts about being the University Archivist is the unexpected treasure that sometimes arrives in the mail.

Recently, I received a small packet of photographs from the family of Charles Wesley Clay, a Methodist minister and alumnus from the classes of 1929 and 1932. Clay earned bachelor’s degrees from Trinity [...]

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Historical Duke Squirrels

On April 27, 2012 By

As we rush headlong into exams, we at the Duke University Archives thought everyone could use an entertaining diversion. So we’re embracing the Duke Squirrels meme, and adding a historical perspective—courtesy of our collections!

In the 1930s, Pee Wee the Squirrel was a frequent visitor to the offices [...]

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The Peacocks’ Gift

On March 30, 2012 By

Last fall, The Devil’s Tale posted “What’s in a Name,” where readers were asked to vote on their favorite name from a list accumulated from across our collections. The winner (although votes are still being accepted!) was Dred Peacock.

Peacock graduated from Trinity College (now Duke University), married the daughter of a Trinity [...]

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Jared Harris, Student Filmmaker

On March 23, 2012 By

On Sunday, Jared Harris resumes his role as Lane Pryce on Mad Men. (Read Duke Magazine‘s recent profile on Mr. Harris.)

On March 30, 1984, he was a Trinity senior, premiering his and classmate Jeff Bennett’s feature-length film, Darkmoor, at the Bryan Center. Supported by Freewater Films, the film was his [...]

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Kenny Dennard, University Archives Researcher

On March 2, 2012 By

Former Duke men’s basketball team captain Kenny Dennard came to visit the Duke University Archives today. We gave him a refresher on his Duke basketball career (1977/78-1980/81), with the help of the Sports Information Office’s Basketball Records.

Here’s Kenny reading the 1981 Chanticleer. Continue Reading →