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:
- Palm Leaf Manuscripts from our Special Collections.
- Telling Our Stories: A Video Collection Celebrating AAPI Heritage, courtesy of Dr. Li Xiang.
- The South Haven Jewish Resort Oral History Project, in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
- The Ward Morgan Collection (extended).
- University Archives Photography Collection (extended).
- Regional History Photography Collection (extended).
Palm Leaf Manuscripts
Though little is known about the subject matter, the two Palm Leaf manuscripts 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 Telling Our Stories project was conceived and created by WMU 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 WMU 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 South Haven Jewish Resort Oral History Project in ScholarWorks at WMU.
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 Ward Morgan Collection.
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 Regional History Collection.
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 WMU Archives Collection.