Springfield’s historical records will gain a new permanent home through a partnership between the History Museum on the Square and Missouri State University that expands public access to local archives.
The History Museum on the Square has transferred possession of its archival collection to Missouri State University’s Duane G. Meyer Library Special Collections and Archives, according to a community announcement. The collection will be preserved, housed and made available to researchers through the university’s archival facilities.
The transfer includes historical photographs, manuscripts, documents, correspondence and other media-based materials related to the history of Springfield and Greene County.
“This partnership strengthens our ability
to fulfill our mission of preserving and sharing our community's history,” Sean FitzGibbons, executive director of the History Museum on the Square, said in the announcement. “By placing our archives in the care of Missouri State University's Special Collections and Archives, we're ensuring these materials continue to receive the highest level of professional preservation while making them more accessible than ever to students, researchers, educators and the public.”
The organizations said in the announcement that the agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between the museum and the university.
Archives to join broader regional collections
Museum officials said that relocating the materials to Meyer Library will allow researchers to use the collection alongside other historical resources already maintained by the university.
“Meyer Library is honored to receive this vitally important collection documenting Springfield’s history. Our past, present and future relationship with the History Museum on the Square made this possible. The History Museum on the Square has had connections with members of our library team over the years and some have served as museum volunteers,” Dave Richards, dean of library services, said in the announcement. “With this transfer, we are preserving and providing access to our community’s history. It is another example of how Missouri State manifests its public affairs mission.”
Museum to continue exhibits and programming
The History Museum on the Square will continue collecting and displaying three-dimensional artifacts while developing exhibits and educational programs focused on the community’s history.
According to the announcement, the arrangement allows the museum to devote additional resources to exhibitions, educational programming and public engagement while continuing to maintain and expand its artifact collections.
More information is available at historymuseumonthesquare.org. Questions can be directed to Sean FitzGibbons at sean@historymuseumonthesquare.org.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield history archives gain new home at Meyer Library
