Tag: McHugh Special Collections

Celebrate Scranton’s Charter Day with Coloring Pages!

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April 18, 2016

2:09 pm

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This Saturday is Charter Day, Scranton’s celebration of the 150th anniversary of its incorporation as a city. There will be lots of events going on all day, but here’s another festive option for creative Scrantonians: Charter Day Coloring Pages!

These Coloring Pages were a collaborative effort between the Lackawanna Historical Society, the Lackawanna Valley Digital Archives, the Leadership Lackawanna #HistoricScranton team, and the University of Scranton Weinberg Memorial Library (we had way too much fun working on our Local History Coloring Book back in February and couldn’t resist coming back for more!).

scranton150-horiz_2016-04-18

The pages feature images of the city and its past. Leadership Lackawanna’s #HistoricScranton coloring pages, created as part of a current class project with the Historical Architectural Review Board, highlight historic buildings and architecture. The remaining pages hold digitized drawings from local history collections housed at LHS, the Scranton Public Library, and our own University Archives and Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections. (We also included a few images from books digitized by other libraries that are now in the public domain.) Each digitized image is accompanied by a citation describing the image and its source.

LHS will be printing out pages for coloring contests to be held throughout this week, but you can also download a digital copy and print out your own. Happy coloring, and happy birthday Scranton!

Many thanks to all our partners, and extra special thanks to our Weinberg Memorial Library students and staffers who helped with selecting images and making them coloring-friendly!

Spotlight on Student Worker Farishta Abdullahi

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November 6, 2015

11:18 am

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Farishta- Special Collections-3The Library is proud to spotlight one of its hardworking student workers, Farishta Abdullahi. This is Farishta’s fourth year in the McHugh Special Collections & University Archives, and her primary work includes processing negatives from the Terry and Paula Connors Photograph Collection and accessioning records from the Office of the Provost into the University Archives.  Every spring Farishta also volunteers at the Friends of the Weinberg Library Annual Book Sale.

Although much of Farishta’s work takes place behind the scenes, she always maintains a high work ethic, and she says that she enjoys the quiet satisfaction of processing and organizing the archival records. She says that she even finds it relaxing!

Farishta is an Accounting major with a minor in Arabic, and she is actually fluent in four languages, including Urdu and Hindi! She plans to graduate in May 2016 and become a Certified Public Accountant.

This past summer Farishta was a marketing intern in the Women’s Entrepreneurship Center and Small Business Development Center at the University of Scranton. Throughout the summer she promoted the Center’s activities and provided individual assistance to women who were interested in exploring the possibility of starting their own business. She also wrote informational blog posts on a variety of business topics, including Sustainable Product Ideas, Challenges of Owning a Seasonal Business, and Improving Credit When Starting a Small Business.

This semester, along with balancing her course work and work-study hours, she is interning at Tatulli & Associates, an accounting, tax, and financial consulting firm in Dunmore.

When Farishta finally has some down time, she enjoys watching Asian dramas and playing with her 6 month old niece.

Farishta’s advice to other University of Scranton students is that the Library has a lot to offer – take advantage of it!

Thank you, Farishta, for all of your support to the Library!

Happy Birthday, Scranton: Kickoff to the 150th Anniversary Celebration

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April 24, 2015

10:26 am

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Scranton150Tomorrow morning at 9:15 am, the City of Scranton will kick off its year-long Sesquicentennial Anniversary Celebration. Scranton was incorporated as a city on April 23, 1866, so next spring (April 23, 2016) will be the city’s 150th birthday.

While the University of Scranton itself wasn’t around back at the very beginning (founded in 1888, we just celebrated our 125th anniversary in 2013-2014), we’re proud of the close ‘town and gown’ relationship we’ve had with the city of Scranton throughout our shared history.

Here at the Weinberg Memorial Library, we’re looking forward to joining in the fun throughout the anniversary year. Beginning in May, each month of the City celebration will highlight a decade (or two) in the city’s history, and here on our Library blog we’ll be highlighting how the University grew alongside the city during that time.

Our University Archives and Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections include many rare and unique resources related to the history of the City of Scranton, its residents, and its major institutions.  For example, the Library holds the records of the International Correspondence Schools of Scranton – and in the fall, we’ll be exhibiting materials from this collection in celebration of the 125th anniversary of ICS (now known as Penn Foster), which was founded in 1891.

We’ve been working on digitizing archival and special collections materials and making them publicly available for searching and browsing in our digital collections, but there’s always more to do. We’re currently tossing around new ideas for increasing public, digital access to local history materials with some of our friends on campus (the History and Communication Departments, Royals’ Historical Society, Hope Horn Gallery, and Community Relations) and in the community (the Lackawanna Historical Society, the Everhart Museum, Scranton Public Library/Lackawanna Valley Digital Archives, and Marywood University). More to come on this as our plans develop!

At the state level, we’re collaborating with other academic and public libraries on a broad initiative to establish a Pennsylvania service hub for the Digital Public Library of America, which will make Pennsylvania history and cultural heritage more accessible and discoverable to students, teachers, genealogists, historians, scholars, and others in our communities and around the world.

So happy birthday, Scranton! Let’s get this party started.

Thursday, April 9: WWII Exhibit Reception and Presentations by Dr. Sean Brennan and Dr. Frank Homer

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April 9, 2015

8:00 am

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Cornerstone of Victory

Millions of young Americans served in the armed forces from 1941 to 1945, including many students and alumni of The University of Scranton.  To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the formal conclusion of World War II, the Heritage Room is featuring an exhibit, Cornerstone of Victory, as a tribute to all of the men and women, particularly our veteran alumni, who went into harm’s way to serve their nation.  The exhibit is based on materials from the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections and the University Archives. Although the McHugh Special Collections does not specifically collect material on World War II, a number of collections have relevant material that highlight the impact that this tragic event had on the University, our nation, and the world.

Two presentations and an exhibit reception will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 6pm in the Library’s fifth floor Heritage Room. This event is free and open to the public, but registrations are encouraged.

For more information, and/or to register, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

“From Harvard to Nuremberg: Father Fabian Flynn and His Service with the 26th Infantry Regiment 1943-1946″ by Dr. Sean Brennan.

Fr. Fabian Flynn was an American priest from the Passionist order who spent the years of 1943 to 1962 in Europe and who served as a military chaplain during World War II.

Dr. Sean Brennan is an Associate Professor of History at The University of Scranton. He specializes in the History of 20th Century Europe, especially in the 1940s and 1950s.

The Impact of World War II on The University of Scranton by Dr. Francis X. J. Homer

The University of Scranton underwent a transition from Christian brothers to Jesuit stewardship in 1942. Besides the change from the Christian brothers to the Jesuits, the University was significantly affected by the war, as were all other institutions of higher learning as young men went to war instead of University.

Dr. Frank Homer is a Professor of History Emeritus and serves as The University of Scranton Historian.

A memorial to alumni and students who were Gold Star Veterans of World War II, which is permanently on display in the foyer of Madonna della Strada Chapel. There is also a second plaque commemorating those who died in Vietnam
A memorial to alumni and students who were Gold Star Veterans of World War II. The plaque is permanently on display in the foyer of Madonna della Strada Chapel. A second plaque hangs next to it commemorating those who died in Vietnam.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library.

Click here for more information about the exhibit, which is on display in the Heritage Room until Sunday, April 26, 2015 during normal library hours.

For additional information, please contact Michael Knies, Special Collections Faculty Librarian, (570) 941-6341 or michael.knies@scranton.edu

70th Anniversary of the Conclusion of WWII: Exhibit Reception and Talks

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March 2, 2015

12:31 pm

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Cornerstone of Victory Exhibit

Millions of young Americans served in the armed forces from 1941 to 1945, including many students and alumni of The University of Scranton.  To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the formal conclusion of World War II, the Heritage Room is featuring an exhibit, Cornerstone of Victory, as a tribute to all of the men and women, particularly our veteran alumni, who went into harm’s way to serve their nation.  The exhibit is based on materials from the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections and the University Archives. Although the McHugh Special Collections does not specifically collect material on World War II, a number of collections have relevant material that highlight the impact that this tragic event had on the University, our nation, and the world.

Two history talks and an exhibit reception will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 6pm in the Library’s fifth floor Heritage Room. This event is free and open to the public.

“From Harvard to Nuremberg: Father Fabian Flynn and His Service with the 26th Infantry Regiment 1943-1946″ by Dr. Sean Brennan.

Fr. Fabian Flynn was an American priest from the Passionist order who spent the years of 1943 to 1962 in Europe and who served as a military chaplain during World War II.

Dr. Sean Brennan is an Associate Professor of History at The University of Scranton. He specializes in the History of 20th Century Europe, especially in the 1940s and 1950s.

The Impact of World War II on The University of Scranton by Dr. Francis X. J. Homer

The University of Scranton underwent a transition from Christian brothers to Jesuit stewardship in 1942. Besides the change from the Christian brothers to the Jesuits, the University was significantly affected by the war, as were all other institutions of higher learning as young men went to war instead of University.

Dr. Frank Homer is a Professor of History Emeritus and serves as The University of Scranton Historian.

A memorial to alumni and students who were Gold Star Veterans of World War II, which is permanently on display in the foyer of Madonna della Strada Chapel. There is also a second plaque commemorating those who died in Vietnam
A memorial to alumni and students who were Gold Star Veterans of World War II. The plaque is permanently on display in the foyer of Madonna della Strada Chapel. A second plaque hangs next to it commemorating those who died in Vietnam.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library.

Click here for more information about the exhibit, which is on display in the Heritage Room until Sunday, April 26, 2015 during normal library hours.

For additional information, please contact Michael Knies, Special Collections Faculty Librarian, (570) 941-6341 or michael.knies@scranton.edu

Spotlight on Student Workers: Rebecca Edwards

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February 18, 2015

12:18 pm

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BeccaWe can hardly believe that it has been two and a half years since Rebecca Edwards began working in the University Archives and McHugh Special Collections department! Time has flown by, and we will miss Becca greatly after she graduates this spring!  Before she leaves us, we would like to recognize all of her hard work and leadership in the department.

Becca began in the Library in the fall of 2012 and has worked on several ongoing projects, including accessioning files from the Office of the Provost into the University Archives.  She has also spent a great deal of time processing and accessioning negatives from the Terry and Paula Connors Collection.  A crucial role that she has filled this semester is helping to train three freshman student workers who are new to the department.  What Becca enjoys most about her Library position is working with the other student workers, and it certainly shows! She always maintains a friendly and articulate demeanor while collaborating on projects with other students and library staff.  Becca has been an asset to the department, and it has always been a pleasure to work with her.

Becca, who hails from Long Valley, New Jersey, is a senior Biology major and is currently on the hunt for a job for after graduation. Wherever she may find herself in the future, we know she will thrive and develop into a positive and confident leader! Throughout her time at Scranton, she enjoyed competing for the University’s equestrian team. Her favorite books and movies are the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series, and a little known fact about Becca is that she was originally born in Brazil.

Thank you, Becca! And congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

Exhibit: Cornerstone of Victory

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February 12, 2015

8:47 am

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Cornerstone of Victory Exhibit

Millions of young Americans served in the armed forces from 1941 to 1945, including many students and alumni of The University of Scranton.  To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the formal conclusion of World War II, the Heritage Room is featuring an exhibit as a tribute to all of the men and women, particularly our veteran alumni, who went into harm’s way to serve their nation.  The exhibit will be based on materials from the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections and the University Archives. Although the McHugh Special Collections does not specifically collect material on World War II, a number of collections have relevant material that highlight the impact that this tragic event had on the University, our nation, and the world.

The Abe L. Plotkin Collection is focused on the end of World War II and immediately thereafter. Plotkin, a 1935 graduate, served in the United States military and was a witness to the liberation of the Ohdruf concentration camp. After the war ended, Plotkin assisted survivors of the concentration camp in getting in touch with American relatives. The exhibit will feature photographs and correspondence from his collection.

The recently acquired Passionist Congregation Archives contains Military Chaplain Reports. The Passionists, like other Catholic Church orders and congregations, provided chaplains to perform sacraments and provide counseling to soldiers. The collection contains photographs and reports from the chaplains detailing their day-to-day life and activities.

Gold Star Veterans of WWII
A memorial to alumni and students who were Gold Star Veterans of World War II, which is permanently on display in the foyer of Madonna della Strada Chapel. There is also a second plaque commemorating those who died in Vietnam

The Joseph Polakoff Collection primarily features his editorial writing on Middle Eastern affairs; however, during the 1940s Polakoff, a 1932 graduate, worked for the United States Information Agency, and some of his correspondence relates to World War II activities.

The exhibit will also feature assorted publications collected over the years that relate to the war. The University of Scranton underwent a transition from Christian brothers to Jesuit stewardship in 1942. Besides the change from the Christian brothers to the Jesuits, the University was significantly affected by the war, as were all other institutions of higher learning as young men went to war instead of University.

This exhibit reflects a period of great transition for The University of Scranton and an experience that shaped the character of many of our alumni, the institution, our nation, and the world. Seventy years ago, America rejoiced in the hope for enduring world peace. Through this exhibit, we aim to honor the bravery, honor, strength, and sacrifices of all veterans and those impacted by war.

This exhibit will be on display in the Heritage Room until Sunday, April 26, 2015. For more information, please contact Special Collections Librarian Michael Knies, Michael.Knies@Scranton.edu (570) 941-6341.

 

Newly Digitized: Penman Photographs from the Zaner-Bloser Collection

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November 21, 2014

1:03 pm

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Penman PhotographsOne of the most highly prized jewels in our Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections is the Zaner-Bloser Penmanship Collection, one of the most extensive collections of American ornamental penmanship from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, we’ve been digitizing parts of the Zaner-Bloser Collection to make it more accessible to researchers and penmanship enthusiasts around the world.

We’re now happy to announce that more than 500 photographs of celebrated masters and instructors of penmanship from the Zaner-Bloser Collection are now publicly available online. The photographs (96 portraits of women and 453 of men) were gathered by Zaner-Bloser for publication in penmanship journals like the Business Educator. Few of the photographs are dated, but we estimate that most of them were taken between the early 1900s and early 1940s.

Some of the photographs are portraits of celebrated master penmen, including several members of Michael Sull‘s Penman’s Hall of Fame. Others are lesser known teachers and instructors, some of whom we weren’t able to identify (please contact us if you recognize them!).

None of these photographs would be online today were it not for Thomas W. Costello, who spent many hours carefully digitizing the portraits for us. Tom’s great-grandfather is Scranton’s own master penman P. W. Costello, who has three portraits in the collection. Tom described the photograph collection as a “wonderful, well-deserved tribute to the masters and many of the dedicated unsung heroes who worked under the radar teaching penmanship.” We couldn’t say it better ourselves. Thank you, Tom, for bringing the men and women behind the pen into the spotlight.

Job Posting: Seeking Archival and Special Collections Cataloging and Metadata Specialist (part-time)

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October 20, 2014

5:13 pm

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The University of Scranton seeks an Archival and Special Collections Cataloging and Metadata Specialist (part-time).  The Archival and Special Collections Cataloging and Metadata Specialist supports the work of the Special Collections Librarian, the Digital Services Librarian, and the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, in the coordinated cataloging, description, and record-keeping necessary to the preservation, accessibility, and findability of University Archives and Special Collections materials. Working across varied Library information systems, this position creates, maintains, and enhances descriptive, administrative, structural, and preservation metadata of various types for materials of diverse formats.

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree required along with broad subject knowledge.  A graduate degree in archives, public history, digital humanities or an ALA-accredited master’s degree in library or information science is preferred.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include:  a knowledge of library and archival procedures; the ability to perform repetitive, detail-oriented tasks and work independently in an isolated environment; and excellent record-keeping, written, oral and instructional skills.
The candidate must be able to lift at least 30 lbs., climb a step-stool, and be tolerant of different environmental conditions.  A familiarity with various software and tools related to digital asset management, i.e., word processing, spreadsheets, databases, file processing, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, Bridge and a familiarity with standards and best practices for cataloging and metadata are preferred.

Hours:  This position requires 17.5 scheduled hours per week between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday.

This position will remain open until filled.

All applications must be submitted electronically:
Click “Search Postings” on the Human Resources page to create an application and then apply for a position. Please note you will not be considered an applicant until you apply for a specific, open position. If you need assistance, please call Human Resources at (570) 941-7767 or e-mail your questions to hr@scranton.edu. Thank you for your interest in working for The University of Scranton!

Position number and title are:
Title:  Cataloger (Part-Time);  Posting Number:  6000736

The University of Scranton is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff, and student body embracing an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. The University welcomes Veterans, minority persons, women, and persons with disabilities to apply. The University of Scranton is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer/Educator.

Dedication of the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections

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September 3, 2014

3:41 pm

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Unveiling the Plaque
Brian McHugh ’59 and Librarian Michael Knies unveil the plaque

 

On Tuesday, September 2nd, the Weinberg Memorial Library hosted the dedication of the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections. The dedication ceremony included comments by Dean Charles Kratz, an invocation by Rev. Ronald McKinney, S.J., and remarks by Vice-President for University Advancement Gary Olsen, followed by the unveiling of the dedicatory plaque by donor Brian McHugh ’59 and Special Collections Librarian Michael Knies.

 

 

Dedication Plaque
Dedication Plaque

Mr. McHugh provided remarks about his mother, for whom the department has been named. Mrs. McHugh was born in Kingston and resided in Plymouth.

 

 

 

 

 

Brian McHugh '59 providing remarks
Brian McHugh ’59 providing remarks

Mr. McHugh is a graduate of Kingston High School. He attended the University of Havana, Cuba, and earned a master’s degree in psychology from The University of Scranton in 1959. A resident of Kingston, Mr. McHugh is a Korean War Veteran who served in U.S.A.F. as a member of an aircrew. His background includes positions in instruction, banking, construction and development. Mr. McHugh is a field consultant for business development at present. He is a member of the the Schemel Forum, serves on the Advisory Board of the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library, and is an active member of the Luzerne County Historical Society.

 

 

Fr. Ron McKinney, S.J., Charles Kratz, Brian McHugh, Don Boomgaarden, Ph.D., and Gary Olsen
Fr. Ron McKinney, S.J., Charles Kratz, Brian McHugh, Don Boomgaarden, Ph.D., and Gary Olsen

The ceremony concluded with remarks by Provost Donald Boomgaarden, Ph.D., which included a brief musical interlude when he sang from the Library’s 14th century illuminated Italian choral book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reception and Exhibit
Reception and Exhibit

Following the dedication, there was a reception in the Heritage Room, where there is an exhibit on display of  “Highlights from the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections.” The exhibit runs through September 25th.