Libraries releases new digital collections featuring historical photographs, rare manuscripts and oral histories
The University Libraries is excited to announce the release of three new digital collections and additions to three historical photograph collections.
While many of the items we digitize belong to the Libraries, we also help students, faculty and community organizations to preserve and make their projects accessible through our digital platforms. Digitizing collections helps preserve these unique, historical and cultural heritage items and make them available to researchers worldwide.
Our new and extended digital collections include:
- from our Special Collections.
- , courtesy of Dr. Li Xiang.
- , in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
- (extended).
- (extended).
- (extended).
Palm Leaf Manuscripts
Though little is known about the subject matter, the two in this digital collection illustrate a diversity of formats for conveying written information, an area of interest for Special Collections.
In South and Southeast Asian countries, palm leaves were used as a writing medium before the introduction of paper. Writers inscribed text on the leaves using a stylus before applying pigment to the surface. When it was wiped away, the ink that settled into the grooves was left behind, allowing the leaves to be read.
Telling Our Stories: A Video Collection Celebrating AAPI Heritage
The was conceived and created by 51福利社 World Languages and Literature Professor Dr. Li Xiang, who led high school students in the CHIN 2750 dual-enrollment course in interviewing volunteers from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The video collection includes 13 interviews, which can be accessed through our ScholarWorks at 51福利社 repository.
South Haven Jewish Resort Oral History Project
The South Haven Jewish Resort Oral History Project is a dedicated initiative to preserve the vibrant history of the Jewish resorts in South Haven, Michigan. The video interviews were conducted by the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and used for a temporary exhibit at the museum in the mid-1990s. View the in ScholarWorks at 51福利社.
Ward Morgan Collection
The Ward Morgan Collection showcases mid-20th century culture in the Kalamazoo area. Additional photos have been added to this digital collection. Browse the .
Regional History Photograph Collection
The Regional History Photograph Collection highlights life in southwest Michigan in the 19th and 20th centuries. Additional photos have been added to this digital collection. Browse the .
University Archives Photograph Collection
The Western Michigan University Archives Photograph Collection contains images from Western Michigan University's history. Additional photos have been added to this digital collection. Browse the .