News from the DeGolyer Library
October 2018
Southern Methodist University
Upcoming Events
On Tuesday, November 13th, join us in the Fondren Library’s Texana Room, where author and editor Andrew Dowdy will discuss his new book, Wanderer on the American Frontier. Based in part on a long-lost manuscript now at SMU’s DeGolyer Library, Wanderer on the American Frontier tells the story of explorer John Maley’s travels in the Ohio, Mississippi, and Red River valleys.
A reception will begin at 5:30; Dowdy’s talk begins at 6:00. Copies of Wanderer will be available for purchase.
Our Current Exhibit
Stop by the Fondren Library to see “Written in a Tropical Glow: Books, Prints and Manuscripts Describing the Biological Exploration of the New World Tropics.”
Located in the Hillcrest Foundation Exhibit Hall, “Tropical Glow ” examines the work of naturalists exploring Central and South America from the 15 th through the 19 th century. The exhibit includes materials from the DeGolyer as well as the private collection of guest curator Tom Taylor.
“Tropical Glow” runs till December 14th, 2018.
New Publications
From the DeGolyer Library
Our latest title, Written in a Tropical Glow, is now available to purchase. Written by curator Tom Taylor to accompany his exhibit, Tropical Glow is both an impressive work of scholarship, and a beautiful example of bookmaking.
Contact Terre Heydari to order your copy
theydari@smu.edu | 214-768-3637
Latest Blog Post
Click here to read our latest blog post on the childhood of our library’s founder Everette Lee DeGolyer, from his birth in a sod house on his parent’s Kansas homestead, to his formative years in Oklahoma.
‘Mr. De’ is pictured here when he was around the age of 9, with his younger brother Homer at the bottom left, and sister Christine to the right. Homer’s papers are also part of the DeGolyer Library– click here to learn more.
Staff spotlight
Christina Jensen
Head of Public Services
Christina Jensen is our new Head of Public Services. A newcomer to both the DeGolyer and Texas, she previously served as regional history librarian at The Community Library in Ketchum, Idaho. Prior to that, she was a graduate student assistant at the Iowa Women’s Archives in the University of Iowa.
Christina holds a BA in history from the University of California, Davis, and an MA in history and MLIS from the University of Iowa. She enjoys hiking and tries to spend sunny weekends in nature. When not exploring the great outdoors, she loves to read good books and watch bad movies.
As Head of Public Service, Christina is responsible for working with researchers and managing reference services. This work involves assisting patrons who visit our reading room, as well as distance researchers. In addition, she engages in outreach efforts to highlight the DeGolyer’s holdings and encourage use of it’s collections.
Click here to learn more about researching at the DeGolyer
Social Media
The DeGolyer joins Instagram
In October, the DeGolyer launched an Instagram account. You can follow us at @degolyerlibrary for a look at highlights from our collections, including some of our most exciting and unique manuscripts, rare books, artifacts, and more!
Click here to visit us on Instagram.
Out and About
Be Bold and Edit On!
Samantha Dodd, Curator of Archives of Women of the Southwest, recently presented at the WikiConference North America. WikiCon is the annual conference of Wikimedia enthusiasts and volunteers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The conference featured traditional keynotes and panels, as well as chances for community engagement with local museums and libraries.
Samantha received an academic scholarship from the Wikimedia Foundation to attend and present at the main conference. Her talk, “Making HerStory OurStory: Building a Wikipedia Presence on Campus”, explored ways of building support for Wikipedia programs at colleges and universities, and shared how her work with Wikipedia led to the successful ‘HerStory Edit-a-thon’ in Arlington this past spring.
The DeGolyer at the DFW Archives Bazaar
Thanks to everyone who visited the DFW Archives Bazaar last month! Pictured right is DeGolyer Librarian Ada Negraru, with archivist Timothy Binkley of SMU’s Bridwell Library. They were on hand to provide a glimpse into the work we do at the DeGolyer and share some Texas history with visitors.
From the Stacks
Collections Highlight
The DeGolyer is home to an incredible map collection, including a number of maps created in the 18th century that reflect the increased European exploration of Texas. Featured here is a map of French territories in North America draw in in 1757, five years before France would formally cede it’s claim to Texas territory to Spain.
Newly Digitized Items
In October, 62 image were added to the SMU Libraries Digital Collections from the Jack and Beverly Wilgus History of Photography Collection. The images were part of the collection’s ‘Roma’ album, featuring views, landmarks, and inhabitants of the eternal city captured circa 1880.
Click here to explore the collection.
New Accessions
Last month, records from the P.E.O Sisterhood in Dallas were accessioned into the Archives of Women of the Southwest. The Sisterhood is a philanthropic women’s organization focused on providing educational opportunities for female students. Their collection includes yearbooks, publications, and convention material documenting the group’s work.
Click here to learn more about the Archives of Women of the Southwest.