The exhibit highlights the beginnings of the Archives & Special Collections at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the first archival materials gathered together by Clara L. Craig, and the official designation of the University Archives under the direction of Joseph Svoboda.

Library Director Frank A. Lundy wrote about the idea of a University archive in a 1944 letter: "The material put there might consist of a file of faculty writings, student publications, and official papers of various administrative offices." (Lundy, 1944). Both Craig and Lundy wrote to other academic libraries to seek ideas and recommendations.

As the Archives & Special Collections celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2018, it is significant to note that the goals set forth in the early conversations and letters on the archives were met. Since 1968 the Archives & Special Collections provides a wealth of primary resources and collections that contribute to University history, research, and scholarship.

Visit the pages on Frank A. Lundy, Clara L. Craig, and Joe Svoboda, who were pivotal in the creation of the archival repository at the University of Nebraska.

Find out more about Archives & Special Collections and the resources it provides today.