First Fridays: The Revolution Will Be Postmarked

To Whom It May Concern: Letters in the Archives

Correspondence, letters, notes, messages, mail – there are many words for these materials that comprise the backbone of the archives. This year we will uplift the humble letters that pepper our collections. Join us on Nov. 3 for two archival talks, presented by the Upper Midwest Literary Archives and the University Archives.

Please register to attend in person or online. ASL interpreters will be present for all First Fridays events.

The Revolution Will Be Postmarked

Presented by Erin McBrien, Interim Curator, Upper Midwest Literary Archives

Long before Facebook or Twitter were used to coordinate protests, political demonstrators had to form their plans via snail mail. During the Vietnam War, writers, professors, and students organized “read-ins” in which crowds of literature lovers would gather and read aloud anti-war poems and essays. But such things don’t come together overnight! One such organizer was the celebrated poet Robert Bly, and his letters give us a unique insight into an earlier era of political demonstration.

The Campus Message Board: Communications From the University of Minnesota

Presented by Katelyn Morken, Research Services and Student Life Archivist, University Archives

Messages created by the University of Minnesota and its students have been disseminated on campus since the establishment of the institution. Material representing student group activities, university related events and departmental announcements have been placed on bulletin boards, passed around in class or formalized through official publications. These methods of communication have developed over time, yet many have remained the same. Learn more on the history of communication on campus and how University Archives continue to preserve this form of messaging.

Event details

What: First Fridays, “The Revolution Will Be Postmarked” and “The Campus Message Board: Communications From the University of Minnesota”
When: Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 | Light buffet lunch at 11:30 a.m. | Presentations begin at noon | A tour of the archival caverns will follow the presentation
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library, room 120 and ONLINE | Parking and directions

First Fridays is made possible by a generous gift from Governor Elmer L. Andersen and Mrs. Eleanor Andersen in honor of former University Librarian Dr. Edward B. Stanford.