Last week I was able to finish processing all of the boxes
in the collection. I was even able to
insert the two boxes of materials into the existing arrangement and merge all
of the boxes together which resulted in a total of 58 boxes: 46 typical
“Hollinger” boxes, four boxes that will remain closed due to the inclusion of
personal information, four oversized (tall) boxes, two oversized (flat) boxes,
and two boxes specially made to contain the blueprints. However, the collection is not yet
complete. I still need to finish the
historical note on the company, write the biographical note on Calvin McKissack
(Moses McKissack’s biography is completed), and then verify and/or revise where
necessary the scope and content notes for each series. I also need to print and place the box and
folder labels and create two CDs of the finding aid: one to be stored here at
Franklin Library and the other to be sent to the Library of Congress National Union Catalog of Manuscript
Collections (NUCMC). Finally, I will
be posting a few choice images of items from the collection to HistoryPin.
I am very excited for this collection to be coming together
just in time to end the fellowship. I
know that there were some concerns early-on that the size of this collection
might prohibit completion within the given nine months, but I have dedicated
myself to working on this collection to ensure that it is open and accessible
to researchers by the time that I leave this position. I am thrilled beyond measure not only because
it appears that I am meeting my goal, but also because this collection contains
vital information on the black community in the South, and especially in
Nashville, during the mid-twentieth century.
Interesting Finds
The last interesting find in this collection is a hand-drawn
image on onionskin paper of the residence of Mr. Moses McKissack. This item was found rolled up at the bottom
of a box of old and fragile blueprints.
Mr. Michael Powell was showing me how he was going to use a humidifying
chamber to unroll the remaining fragile blueprints when we came across Mr. McKissack's residence at the
very bottom of the box. It was not as
fragile as the rest so I used weights to flatten it as opposed to using the
humidifying chamber. I find it
fascinating that this seemingly fragile drawing on onionskin paper has proven
more durable than the actual blueprints under which it was hidden.
Future Prospects
Over the last few months, I have been applying to library
and/or archives positions. I initially
began applying all over the country, but soon decided that I wanted to stay
near Nashville, Tennessee, since my family has decided to move to the
area. I have had a few call-backs
lately, but last week I also had two in-person interviews. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed in-person
interviews, since I have not had one in a while. They seem to be going the way of the rotary
phone, especially when interviewing for positions outside of my immediate
vicinity. The interviews restored some
of my hope in finding a job once this fellowship is complete, so I am now more
excited than ever to find a position with a group of lovely people who enjoy
spreading information and working with primary sources as much as I do. I have only two more weeks left, but
everything seems to be coming together quite naturally.
Until next time,
Amanda J.
CarterFranklin Library, Fisk University
IMLS HistoryMakers Fellow 2012-2013
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