Sarah Ponichtera – Special Collections & The Gallery

Summer Projects in Special Collections and the Gallery

Classes may be coming to an end, and graduation on the horizon, but for us in Special Collections the work doesn’t stop. Rather than bringing students into the archives, during the summer we work on the behind the scenes projects that make new collections available to to the community. Many of these are supported by grants. This summer, the Walsh Gallery and Field Archives have been fortunate to receive special funding from diverse institutions to pursue four projects:

Restoring an important landscape ink painting by renowned calligrapher and poet Bada Shanren.
Digitizing the archive of Italian Tribune newspapers that document Italian-American life in Newark during the mid-twentieth century.
Processing the papers of physicist and priest Father Stanley L. Jaki, O.S.B., including translating his letters from Hungarian.
Taking a deep dive into the best ways of teaching the history of the book with the specialists at Rare Book School.

Black and white Chinese landscape painting on a scroll, with images of rocks and trees. — Scroll
Zhu Da, or Bada Shanren
1699
Wang Fangyu Collection of Asian Art
77.10.37

The painting, attributed to Chinese artist Bada Shanren, represents a key professional interest of the late Seton Hall professor Wang Fangyu, or Fred Wang. Professor Wang was deeply interested in Bada Shanren, who was an innovative figure in Chinese art. Wang collected many examples of Shanren’s art during his career as a collector, and many of those are now part of the world-famous Freer Gallery in Washington. This example is the only one remaining in Seton Hall’s collections, and this opportunity to restore it will provide an opportunity for a specialist to delve into the details of the piece’s construction, enriching our knowledge of the piece while also repairing it so that it may be safely exhibited.

Image of a young man presenting a trophy to an older man, in front of a banner reading "Tribune News" — Buddy Fortunato presents the Italian Tribune News Journalistic Award to Anthony Zoppi during the 1976 Columbus Day Dinner, MSS 0018

The Italian Tribune newspaper project, a partnership with the Newark Public Library supported by the UNICO foundation, will enable Seton Hall to expand access to this key Newark publication, which documented Italian American life throughout the twentieth century. Currently people have to come in person to see the microfilmed holdings at the Newark Public Library, but once the microfilms are digitized, researchers from anywhere will be able to access them in digital form. OCR will enable keyword searching, which will be particularly valuable for genealogists.

Catholic priest with white hair and bushy eyebrows — Father Jaki, June 2007
Credit: Antonio Colombo, CC BY-SA 3.0

This spring, the American Institute of Physics provided support to process the papers of Father Stanley L. Jaki, O.S.B. Father Jaki was a Benedictine priest from Hungary who studied as a physicist with some of the most important figures in the field such as Victor Hess, and wrote extensively about the connections between science and faith. Professor Jaki won many prizes and lectured worldwide – yet his archives are not yet available to researchers, since they have not been preserved or described. With the AIP’s support, these important materials will finally be made available.

Finally, Assistant Dean Sarah Ponichtera has been admitted to the Rare Book School course “Teaching the History of the Book” taught by renowned rare book historian Michael F. Suarez, S.J. This course will focus not on book history or bibliography itself, but how to connect students with the incredible resources available in rare book collections such as Seton Hall’s. In particular the course will discuss how to incorporate the many amazing digital humanities projects based on rare books into a class on book history.

It will be a busy summer! We look forward to sharing the results of these projects with you next fall.

Extra, Extra, Preserving Student Newspapers has been selected!

Last fall, an archival project to digitize and preserve the student-run newspapers, The Setonian, The Diplomatic Envoy, and The Stillman Exchange was selected for funding under the Idea Hall initiative.

The Monsignor Noe Field Archives and Special Collections Center has held copies of these student-run newspapers for many years. However, certain years and issues are incomplete or missing, and they require more stabilization and support to ensure their longevity for years to come. With this project the necessary supplies can be ordered to finally rehouse the rest of the Setonians along with the Diplomatic Envoy, and the Stillman Exchange.

Jacquelyn Deppe says “it will be nice to see the newspapers receive the proper support and housing they need. They are currently in a state which is not ideal, so receiving funding for this project is great! Having worked here and with these newspapers themselves over the years, I’m happy that I’ll be able to see these newspapers receive the care they need and deserve.”

But it is not only these student-run newspapers that will be rehoused but others as well. There are other examples of newspapers that ran simultaneously with the Setonian during the 1950s-1970s and captured student life and activities at Seton Hall’s Urban Campus’s in Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson. These campuses are where the first women attended courses under the Seton Hall name and engaged in student life and activities, like writing for the newspaper and even being editors of those papers.

Front page of the first issue of the Setonian — The first issue of the Setonian was released on March 15, 1924, 51 years after Robinson’s initial attempt to start a newspaper for Seton Hall College.

This project also includes completing the digitization project of the Setonian. From August 1999 to about January 2019, copies of the Setonian exist only as physical newspapers. Due to the acidic material content of newspapers, they are inherently fragile and susceptible to quick deterioration. Digitizing the Setonians allows the Archives and Special Collections Center to create access copies that can be retrieved and used by anyone.

At the conclusion of this project, a display will be created and placed on the 2^nd floor of the Walsh Library for viewing. The display will highlight the collection of student-run newspapers that have been preserved and are ready to use in research.

Thanks to the vision of

Jacquelyn Deppe, Technical Services Archivist, University Libraries
Quinn Christie, Public Services Archivist, University Libraries
Sarah Ponichtera, Assistant Dean of Special Collections and the Gallery, University Libraries
Matthew Pressman, Faculty Advisor to The Setonian
Courtney Smith, Faculty Advisor to The Diplomatic Envoy

the voice of the students and the history of student life and activities at Seton Hall will be documented and preserved for years to come.

Remembering Luna Kaufman: A Legacy of Strength and Faith

An older woman dressed in blue stands next to an older many in a suit wearing glasses — Luna Kaufman with David Bossman, Executive Director Emerita of the Sister Rose Thering Fund

It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of Luna Kaufman, a cherished figure in the Seton Hall University community, beloved Trustee of the Sister Rose Thering Fund, and a remarkable contributor to the university’s archives. Known for her unwavering commitment to Holocaust education and interfaith dialogue, Kaufman leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Luna Kaufman, who was born in Krakow, first lived through the German occupation of Krakow and was later held as a prisoner in the concentration camps of Plaszow and Leipzig. She was able to survive the Holocaust, and eventually emigrated to America. She and her husband settled in New Jersey, where Kaufman was an active part of the Jewish community and became the first woman president of her Temple. It was later in life that she began to work and advocate for Holocaust education, picked by former Governor Kean to work on the Advisory Council for Holocaust Education when it was first formed in 1982. Kaufman spoke at Nancy Forsberg’s Interfaith Committee, and would eventually find her way to speaking at Seton Hall, where she met and then worked with Sister Rose Thering on Holocaust education through the Sister Rose Thering Fund.

People gather in a semicircle under a display of photographs of Holocaust victims — Luna Kaufman leading a trip to Yad Vashem, 2008.

Just last year, the archives completed a project funded by the New Jersey Historical Commission that processed Kaufman’s archive, together with the papers of Sister Rose Thering and Nancy Forsberg. That project resulted in an exhibit and conference presentation celebrating the legacy of interfaith dialogue left by these three powerful and inspiring women, whose friendship arose from their shared commitment to fighting intolerance and increasing understanding.

The archives is proud to steward Luna Kaufman’s legacy into the future. Her collection contains drafts of her memoir, teaching materials, notes on speeches, and recordings of events and talks that she gave. As we remember Luna Kaufman, let us carry forward her legacy of love, compassion, and advocacy, ensuring that her work continues to resonate within our community.

Explore Sacred Texts at Walsh Gallery

Ethiopian Orthodox style illustration of Christ being held by two Roman soldiers — Ethiopian Bible illustration of the Passion of Christ, MSS 0029, Box 2, Folder 14

Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University is proud to invite the community to experience a unique exhibit of sacred texts from our expansive rare book and manuscript collections. This exhibit showcases a rich tapestry of religious devotion, drawn from traditions that include Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. Each piece tells a story of faith, creativity, and human connection across time and cultures.

At the heart of this exhibit lies the transformative practice of ornamenting sacred texts—a universal form of spiritual expression. Whether through gilded illuminations, intricate calligraphy, or musical notation, these artistic traditions serve to deepen the connection between the worshiper and the divine. This interplay of faith and artistry is evident in the featured works, which include:

A Musical Score and an Esther Scroll: These communal treasures reflect the collective nature of worship. The musical score resonates with the harmonious spirit of shared devotion, while the Esther scroll, read during the Jewish holiday of Purim, underscores the importance of storytelling in spiritual practice.
Personal Prayerbooks: Unlike communal texts, prayerbooks often serve as intimate guides for individual reflection and devotion. Their well-worn pages bear witness to the deeply personal journeys of faith.
The Quran of Professor Francis Hammond: This remarkable artifact connects intellectual and spiritual exploration. Once belonging to Seton Hall’s first African American faculty member, Professor Hammond, this Quran is not only a testament to his scholarly pursuits but also a symbol of the diverse spiritual heritage that has shaped our community.

Through these sacred works, visitors can witness the ways in which different faith

Intricate tile work of the mosque of Samarkand — Illustration from Les mosqueés de Samarcande, 1905. NA5998.S3 R8 1905

traditions approach the sacred, honor their beliefs, and express their devotion. The exhibit demonstrates that while the texts may differ in content and form, they share a common purpose: to inspire, to connect, and to elevate the human spirit.

We invite you to explore this exhibit and reflect on the rich intersections of faith, art, and history. Join us in celebrating the diverse sacred practices that continue to shape our shared human experience.

Please note that construction will begin in March 2025 on the first floor of Walsh Library. Originals will be removed when construction starts, and the Gallery will close to visitors, though the reproductions will continue to be visible through the windows throughout the construction process.

Back to the Future: Undergrad Students May Receive $1,000 Stipend for Time Machines Project in Seton Hall Special Collections

This year, the Archives and Special Collections at Walsh Library has launched a unique initiative for Humanities students to take part in for the 2023-2024 school year. Dubbed the Time Machines Project, this program grants five students the opportunity to research objects, rare books and periodicals, manuscripts, prints, clothing, relics, paintings, pottery, tools, or other artifacts of interest within the Special Collections and create a project that illustrates these materials’ importance, relevance, and interest using contemporary media. To complete this project, students will collaborate with the Special Collections staff as well as a faculty member to refine their research and analytical skills as well as develop basic knowledge of archival practices and procedures. Upon completion of the project, students will receive a $1,000 stipend and be equipped to add this project to their own portfolio to apply to various scholarships, fellowships, and employment opportunities.

This initiative was established in an effort to engage students more with the invaluable artifacts held in the Special Collections center. To apply for this project, students must submit a short proposal, with the assistance of a faculty member. Upon acceptance, students must attend an orientation, submit weekly research progress logs, and present their projects at the Petersheim Academic Exposition. Potential project ideas include, but are not limited to building a website, recording a podcast, designing an infographic, creating a piece of art (visual, a piece of writing, a short film, etc.), or authoring a paper about the object for publication in academic or popular media. “Too often, students do not encounter special collections materials until late in their studies. With this support, students will have the opportunity to encounter rare and historic objects and deploy the skills they are learning in their classes in a way that they can take with them into a variety of careers,” says Sarah Ponichtera, Assistant Dean of Special Collections and the Gallery.

All interested students may attend an information session on October 4^th. Proposals are due by October 20^th, and the accepted students will be announced on October 31^st. Projects will begin November 1st and conclude by April 30^th, 2024.

Click the link here to apply now! Applications are due October 20th.

To find materials in special collections to work with, search our online portals:

Archivesspace contains detailed inventories of archival collections
Google Arts and Culture shares materials in our museum collections
Preservica contains our digitized, or born-digital collections, including archived websites, sound and video recordings

Questions? Please contact archives@shu.edu or visit the Archives and Special Collections on the first floor of Walsh Gallery. The hours of operation are Mon-Fri from 9am-5pm.

This project was heralded by Gallery Director Jeanne Brasile and Assistant Dean of Special Collections and the Gallery, Sarah Ponichtera.

Walsh Library Acquires Signed First Editions of Gwendolyn Brooks and James Baldwin

Walsh Library has acquired signed first editions of books by some of the biggest names in African American literature: James Baldwin and Gwendolyn Brooks.

Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) was one of the most influential poets of the twentieth century, the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize and the first Black woman to serve as poetry consultant to the Library of Congress. She was also the Poet Laureate of the State of Illinois, where she lived for most of her life in Chicago. Her poetry documents her experience and community even while being in conversation with the roots of the Western tradition, mobilizing forms such as the sonnet and reinterpreting classics such as the Aeneid to buttress her own powerful authorial voice.

Image of the the book on a black background

The Library also acquired a signed first edition of James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time. This powerful work which recounts Baldwin’s personal experience of racism in America as well as his critique of Christianity, is part of the Core Curriculum at Seton Hall. It is a key cultural touchstone.

Seton Hall’s edition is inscribed by Baldwin to a person named Reliana and says “Keep the faith.” This inspiring message is an especially appropriate one for Seton Hall, given that this work plays a role in the conversations about life’s purpose and meaning that take place in the Core Curriculum’s classes.

Scary Stories from the Rare Book Collections

Get into the Halloween spirit with these spooky tales from Seton Hall’s rare book collections! They come from the book Ancient Legends of Ireland, written by Lady Wilde (mother of Oscar Wilde!), which we hold in our collections, and is currently on display in Walsh Gallery. You can read the entire book online at the Internet Archive.

Happy Halloween!

With thanks to the Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center for filming and editing.

New Collections Available to Scholars in the SHU Archives

One year ago, Seton Hall’s Monsignor William Noé Field Archives and Special Collections Center received two grants: one to process the papers of New Jersey politicians, and one to process the papers of Irish fraternal organizations. Apprentice archivists were hired and trained by Seton Hall staff, and they got to work organizing boxes of material, deciphering handwriting, and creating custom archival boxes for obsolete media such as LPs and Super-8 videos.

The results are now ready for scholars:

MSS 132 Papers of Arthur A. Quinn, early 20^th century labor leader

MSS 003 Papers of Richard Hughes, the first Catholic governor of New Jersey

MSS 002 Papers of Bernard Shanley, Chief of Staff to President Eisenhower

MSS 0135 John Concannon Collection, National Historian of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians

MSS 0145 James MacFarland Collection, past president of the AOH New Jersey State Board

MSS 0146 AOH New Jersey Collection, materials documenting Irish American life sourced from the AOH New Jersey

MSS 0147 Knights of Columbus / Catholic Daughters of the Americas Collection, materials from these fraternal organizations

MSS 0148 James Comerford Papers, papers of a New York City judge who spent time as a volunteer in the IRA

MSS 0150 Gloria Schneider Papers, papers which document the donor’s involvement in numerous Catholic organizations in Northern New Jersey

The archives encourage those interested in these newly available materials to make an appointment to see them in the reading room. We look forward to seeing scholars use these collections to enrich our understanding of history!

Pathmakers in New Jersey Politics

exhibit walls behind glass — Pathbreakers in New Jersey Politics on display on the first floor of Walsh Library

Seton Hall cares for fourteen archival collections documenting the careers of New Jersey politicians, illustrating the evolution of this state since its founding in 1787. In 2021, the National Archives awarded Seton Hall a federal grant to process five of these collections: the papers of Arthur A. Quinn, early twentieth-century pioneer in labor activism, the papers of Bernard Shanley, Chief of Staff to President Eisenhower, Governors Richard Hughes and Brendan Byrne, and first Black Congressman from New Jersey Donald Payne. After processing, these unique materials will be available to the public, enriching our understanding of the state we live in and the many people who worked to make it better.

Exhibit case featuring photos, writings, inscribed book, political buttons and bound copy of Shanley diary

The exhibit includes photographs of these politicians, excerpts from their writings, political buttons issued by their campaigns, and most exciting: the daily diary kept by Bernard Shanley when he was Chief of Staff to President Eisenhower. The archives has a full copy of the diary now available to researchers, in addition to the bound copy on display.

painting of trees along a riverside, with sun glinting off the water — Edwin Havas
Along the Delaware
35 1/2” x 47 1/2”
oil on canvas
Date Unknown
2011.29.0001
Seton Hall University Permanent Collection

This exhibit is currently on display in the Archives Reading Room and may be viewed when the library is open. Hanging next to the hallway exhibit is a landscape by Seton Hall professor Edwin Havas, titled “Along the Delaware,” providing a contrast of the natural landscape in which all this political debate took place.

Special Collections and the Gallery acknowledge the support of the National Historic Publications and Records Commission, which generously provided funding for the archival work which made this exhibit possible.

closeup of exhibit text and acknowledgement — Acknowledgement to the National Historic Publications and Records Commission for its support.

Irish Immigrant Mutual Aid Societies in New Jersey

Recently, the Archives received a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission to organize and describe a large collection of records from Irish immigrant cultural organizations, primarily the Ancient Order of the Hibernians.

These records show how immigrants to the United States organized themselves to help one another. These mutual aid organizations provided an early form of insurance – members would pay a little every month, and if they were injured or got sick or a breadwinner in their family died, the society would pay them a benefit in order to provide financial security. These organizations played a crucial role in supporting working class people before the New Deal provided unemployment insurance on a national scale.

As their original role of financial support receded, these organizations shifted their focus toward celebrating culture and community. The Ancient Order of the Hibernians played a prominent role in organizing the famous St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York.

St. Patricks' Day parade program, printed on green paper — St. Patrick’s Day parade program, 1963

The John Concannon papers, which project archivist Quinn Christie is processing, also contain planning documents for the parade, invitations to local dignitaries to attend and play roles in the celebration, tickets, musical lineups, and much more. As Christie says, “This collection is full of surprises. I never know what I’m going to find when we open a box. In the papers of Concannon, we found the records of James Comerford, who served as President of the AOH and Chairman of the Parade. In addition to papers from his organizational roles, we found his membership card in the Irish Volunteers (predecessors to the IRA) from 1918.”

The collection will be available to researchers by the end of 2022.