You may have noticed some new posters of various objects—from vases to manuscripts, coins to magazine covers–hanging behind the Circulation Desk in Walsh Library. These twelve posters are the result of an initiative led by the Archives & Special Collections. Seton Hall University has always served a diverse demographic, with its first class including students from South America as well as North America. However, the diversity within our history is sometimes overlooked. “As a Catholic university archive, I don’t think students realize the variety of materials we have outside of the walls of Seton Hall or the Catholic faith,” says Martha Slomczewski, Special Collections Assistant who spearheaded this initiative. “I wanted a way to showcase the kinds of objects and materials we have that you might not expect.”
Instead of the Archives and Gallery staff choosing the objects themselves, Slomczewski sought to engage the students directly by putting the decision to a vote that was publicized on social media and in person through tabling outside of the dining hall every week throughout the semester. Thirty objects were compiled by the Archives and Gallery team. Students used a google form to cast their vote on the objects that they wanted to see, allowing them to vote for up to 10 objects at a time. After a month of casting votes, the top twelve were selected. Now students no longer have to wait for a class visit or research appointment to see these extraordinary materials.
The posters will remain on display for the foreseeable future. You can make an research appointment to view any of these objects by filling out the form here.