Get to know the Archives and Special Collections at the U of M Libraries! This fall, the archives are hosting an array of events, free and open to everyone. These events showcase the materials in our one-of-a-kind collections. They also celebrate the books, research, and projects that can be possible when creators have access to archival collections.

Read on to learn more — and don’t forget to register!

Embracing Our Roots: Rooted and Rising, Sept. 7

Join Dr. Yolanda Williams and PaviElle French, two beloved culture bearers of the Twin Cities Black music community, as they recall the path and people that have led to their becoming composers of songs for the people. This event continues a series of intergenerational discussions between African American creatives and is co-sponsored by Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life, the University of Minnesota School of Music, More Than A Single Story discussion series, and the In Black Ink publishing arts initiative.

Panel discussion and exhibit reception for the 21st Editions Collection and Archive, Sept. 13

If you’re interested in hand-crafted books or photography, consider joining us for two exhibit events on Sept. 13 related to the 21st Editions Collection and Archive.

For the past 25 years, the 21st Editions publishing house and visionary Steven Albahari have created an extensive collection of hand-crafted, fine press books that each focus on the word, image, and artisan binding. From 3:30-5 p.m., hear from Albahari, 21st Editions Founder, along with accompanying panelists Pam Clark, Production and Office Manager at 21st Editions; Crissy Welzen, Graphic Designer; and John Mettoyer, Educator, Poet, and Photographer. An exhibit reception will follow the panel discussion at 5 p.m. Please register if you plan to attend either or both events!

Nicholas Meyer book tour: ‘Sherlock Holmes and the Telegram From Hell,’ Sept. 18

Nicholas Meyer is an award-winning author, screenwriter, and director. His body of creative work in publishing, film, and television spans more than five decades. Meyer’s sixth Sherlock Holmes novel, “Sherlock Holmes and the Telegram From Hell,” was published at the end of August 2024 by the Mysterious Press. Join us on Sept. 18 for a reading and book signing, brought to you by the Sherlock Holmes Collections!

49th Annual Kerlan Award honoring Lisa Yee, Oct. 22

Each year, the Children’s Literature Research Collections sponsors the Kerlan Award, given in recognition of singular attainments in the creation of children’s literature. The 2024 winner is Lisa Yee, award-winning author of more than 20 books for children and young adults including her recent titles, “Maizy Chen’s Last Chance” and “The Misfits.” The child of two public school teachers, Lisa Yee is a third-generation Chinese American. Born and raised in Los Angeles, her groundbreaking book, “Millicent Min, Girl Genius,” features one of the first Asian American protagonists in contemporary children’s literature.

Dear Readers and Riders: The Life of Marguerite Henry with author Lettie Teague, Oct. 29

Author Lettie Teague will discuss her new book, “Dear Readers and Riders: The Beloved Books, Faithful Fans, and Hidden Private Life of Marguerite Henry.” Henry was a beloved and best-selling children’s author who wrote adventure stories that featured horses and other animals. In doing research for her book, Teague relied heavily on Henry’s archival materials, which are held in the Libraries’ Kerlan Collection for Children’s Literature.

From ‘Toveritar’ to Today: Exploring Climate Narratives in Finnish-American History, Oct. 30

Lotta Leiwo, University of Helsinki PhD Candidate in History and Cultural Heritage, joins us for a talk on climate narratives in Finnish-American history. Additionally, Daniel Necas, Archivist at the Immigration History Research Center Archives (IHRCA), will present the IHRCA records available both on-site and online, as well as provide guidance on how to access them.

Journey to Joy: Rise, Relevance, Representation in Children’s Picture Books, Nov. 14

Join for a reception and guided gallery tours of the four-floor exhibit, “Journey to Joy.” The Kerlan Collection contains over 100 years of children’s picture book history. That history has not always been one to celebrate. Children’s literature in the United States has included stereotypical and hurtful images. In curatorial consultation with award-winning children’s book author Andrea Davis Pinkney, the Kerlan Collection has created a four-floor exhibit designed to educate viewers about this history while also celebrating the authors and illustrators who are creating beautiful and inclusive works for children.

2024 James Ford Bell Lecture presented by Carla Cevasco: ‘A Mixture of Nations: Feeding Children and Empires in the Early American Northeast,’ Nov. 20

In the Libraries’ James Ford Bell collection, you will find rare books, manuscripts, maps, archival collections, and other materials that document the history and impact of trade and cultural exchange prior to ca. 1800 CE. The Bell Library also sponsors an annual lecture series which offers presentations by field experts on topics related to the collection.

This year’s speaker is Carla Cevasco, Associate Professor of American Studies at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. She is the author of “Violent Appetites: Hunger in the Early Northeast,” which explores how Indigenous peoples and colonial invaders confronted hunger in the 17th and 18th centuries. Her talk is titled, “A Mixture of Nations: Feeding Children and Empires in the Early American Northeast.”