Kean University Special Collections Research Library and Archive

🎉 Happy Birthday to Nancy Thompson, born on this day in 1886! 🎉

Nancy Thompson isn't just the namesake of our library; she was a beloved librarian who played a pivotal role at Kean University. Her dedication to the institution and its students left an indelible mark. 📚✨

When the library opened in 1959, a dedication ceremony was held, but Mrs. Thompson was too ill to attend. Swipe to read her heartfelt letter to the President of Kean, where she expressed her gratitude and honor for this recognition. 💌

During World War II, Nancy kept in touch with many students who went off to war, providing support and encouragement through her letters. These correspondences are a cherished part of our Nancy Thompson World War II Scrapbook Letter Collection, preserved in our archive today. 🇺🇸✉️

Swipe to dive into her story and see the impact she had on our community. Let's honor her legacy together!

It’s Time for Trivia Tuesday!

This week’s question is, “Which New Jersey and Rock N’ Roll Legend played at Kean in 1976?”

Comment your answer’s down below or head over to our story to submit your answer there before the reveal tomorrow!

Vintage Vibes of 74: A 50-Year Legacy! 🕰️ ✨

This week, we're spotlighting nostalgic snapshots from the All-College Picnic captured in the '74 Memorabilia Yearbook. 📸

Picture yourself among friends, grilling burgers, and sipping drinks under the sun-dappled campus skies. 🍔🥤

Click the link in our story to digitally explore this charming yearbook or swing by the Special Collections Research Library and Archive for an up-close journey through history today.

Time for Trivia Tuesday!💡⁉️

This week’s question is, “The first college to ever open in New Jersey was…” 🤔💭

Submit your responses on our story now or comment down below right now before the reveal of the answer tomorrow! ✅

⁉️Time for more Trivia Tuesday!⁉️

This week’s question is, “What is the motto of Kean University?” 🤔💭

Comment your answers down below or head over to our story to try your luck there. ✅👍

And make sure to tune in tomorrow to learn about the history behind the motto! 💙

Vintage Vibes of '74: a 50-year legacy! 🕰✨

This week, we're spotlighting snapshots from the 1974 Memorabilia Yearbook of the College Center Board, the dynamic force behind campus culture back then.

From movies to picnics, live shows to workshops, this board curated unforgettable experiences for students.

Click the link in our story to explore the yearbook digitally, or swing by the Special Collections Research Library and Archive for an immersive journey through history. 📚

Time for more Trivia Tuesday! ⁉️🧐

This week’s question is, “What was the biggest Revolutionary War battle fought in New Jersey?” 🤔💥

Comment your answers down below or head over to our story to try your luck at the correct answer! ✅

Vintage Vibes of '74: A 50 Year Legacy 🎶✨

Dive into our latest post featuring iconic musical acts captured in the 1974 Memorabilia Yearbook!

From Judy Collins to Henry Gross, Deodato, and the Beach Boys, we're reminiscing on a 50-year legacy of unforgettable performances right here on campus.

📸 Click the link in our story to explore the digital yearbook or visit the Special Collections Research Library and Archive for an even deeper dive into our musical past. Don't miss out on this blast from the past!

We’re back with more Trivia Tuesday! ✨⁉️

This week’s question is, “What is the name of the main library at Kean University?” 🤔💭

Head over to our story to submit your responses now or comment down below before the reveal of the answer tomorrow! ✅👍

Monday Memories: Diversity Through the Decades 🌟

Today, we're delving into the vibrant history of the Indian Students Association as captured in the 1989 Memorabilia Yearbook! 📸

Step back in time and explore snapshots of cultural exchange and community spirit. Click the link in our story to immerse yourself in the full yearbook experience! 📚✨

#1989

Connection Found!

SCRLA and the Galleries at Kean share the stories of Japanese photography and Western artists from New Jersey.

Discover the intricate interplay of tradition and modernity during Japan’s Meiji era. Above is a portrait of a Buddhist Priest. Amidst rapid Westernization, religious practices underwent profound shifts. Government initiatives to consolidate power led to the separation of Shintoism and Buddhism, fostering State Shinto to bolster imperial authority. Yet, echoes of age-old rituals persisted, shaping art, literature, and societal norms.

Residing in Plainfield, Thorn dedicated decades from the 1860s to the 1890s to capture the Garden State’s enchanting scenes. While his name may not echo through modern times, his timeless albumen photos illuminate New Jersey’s rich historical tapestry, but without color applications.

Credits: Buddhist Priest, Kusakabe Kimbei, 1880s, vintage hand-tinted albumen print,10 3/8 x 8 inches

Boat on a Lake, Guillermo Thorn, 1880s enlargement from original albumen silver print on particle board, 4 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches

🕰️ Monday Memories: Diversity Through the Decades

Step back in time with us as we highlight the vibrant tapestry of cultures at Kean University! 📸

Today, we're spotlighting the Chinese Students Association from our 1989 Memorabilia Yearbook. 🇨🇳

Click the link in our story to explore the full yearbook and immerse yourself in the rich history of our campus community!

#1980

Do you like archives and art? Get the best of both here ! 🖼️🎨

Check out this incredible book from out collection highlighting the life and legacy pf Clara Maass!

“Clara Maass: a Nurse, a Hosptial, a Spirit” is available to flip through today!

Vintage Vibes of ‘74: A 50-year Legacy! 🎶

This week, we’re thrilled to showcase exclusive snapshots of the world-famous Beach Boys captured in the 1974 Memorabilia Yearbook from our campus archives.

📸 Don’t miss out on this musical journey down memory lane!

click the link in our story to explore the yearbook digitally or swing by the Special Collections Research Library and Archive to dive deeper into our historical treasures today. 📚✨

Do you like archives and art? Get the best of both here ! 🎨🖼️

Check out this incredible book from our collection, “The Delaware Canal: A Picture Story”! 📚🛶

Flip through to see sketches and information pertaining to the picturesque Delaware Canal. Swipe on the post to see what’s inside! 📖

Vintage vibes of ‘74: A 50-year legacy! 🕰✨

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the Communication Help Center, fondly known as the Hotline, featured in the 1974 Memorabilia Yearbook. 📚💬

Established as a beacon of support, the Hotline offered students a lifeline during times of stress, providing assistance over the phone and through walk-in sessions.

Over the years, their dedication grew, expanding to include a parent-line for family-related concerns and a community outreach division, spreading positivity far and wide.

🌟 In 1972, their excellence was nationally recognized as one of the top college crisis centers, paving the way for even greater milestones. By 1977, they celebrated their 50,000th call and welcomed their 1000th volunteer, a testament to their unwavering commitment to helping others. 🎉📞

Click the link in our story to journey through this historic yearbook digitally, or visit the Special Collections Research Library and Archive to explore more today!

#1974

It’s time for Trivia Tuesday! ⁉️🤨

This week’s question is, “Who was the first governor of New Jersey?” 🤔💭

Comment your answers down below or head over to our story right now to submit responses through the poll! And be sure to check back tomorrow for the reveal of the answer! 👍✅

🌟Monday Memories: Diversity Through the Decades! 🕰️

Today, we’re spotlighting the International Students Association captured in the captivating pages of the 1989 Memorabilia yearbook. 📚✨

Don’t miss your chance to journey back in time and explore the rich cultural mosaic that has shaped our university’s community.

Click the link in our story to embark on this nostalgic adventure and witness history come alive! 🎉

Do you like archives and art? Get the best of both here ! 🖼️🎨

Check out “Steamboat to the Shore” by George H. Moss Jr.! It’s packed with wonderful illustrations shedding light on steamboat history in the Garden State. 🪴

Swipe through to flip through the pages or stop by during our hours of operation to see it in person! 💙📚

Flashback to the past with Saturday Cartoons! 💥🕰️

This week we’re turning back the clock to April 30, 1987 to check out the hilarious comics at the end of our student newspaper at the time, “The Independent”.

To see more click the link in our story and head over to Kean’s Digital Commons website or stop by and visit us during our hours of operation! 💙📰

Do you like archives and art? Get the best of both here ! 🎨📜

Take a peak at “McGuffey’s New First Eclectic Reader for Young Learners”!

This incredible book dates back to 1857 and can be found here within our Collection at the Special Collections Research Library and Archive.

To flip through the pages yourself and experience the art and education of the past stop by today!

19thcentury

Do you like archives and art? Get the best of both here ! 🎨📜

Look no further than the 1974 Memorabilia Yearbook and the wonderful works of art within!

Created by art editor of the yearbook Richard Payne, it’s a reminder that after fifty years art still holds an important place here at Kean. 🖼️

It’s time for another Trivia Tuesday! 🧐⁉️

This week’s question is, “Where is Kean’s Special Collections Research Library and Archive located?”. 🤔💭

Submit your answers on our story or feel free to comment your responses down below before the reveal tomorrow! ✅👍

📆 Monday Memories: Diversity Through the Decades Series 🌐

Step back in time with us as we delve into the pages of the Kean College “Memorabilia 1989” Yearbook.

🕰️ Today’s highlight? The vibrant tapestry of Hispanic Organizations that thrived on campus during that era! 🌟

Explore P.R.O.U.D (Puerto Rican Organization for Unity and Development), S.C.S.C (Spanish Cultural and Social Club), and more, as they left an indelible mark on our rich history.

Dive into the past and witness the cultural mosaic that shaped our community. 📚✨

Click the link in our story to explore the full yearbook and relive the memories firsthand. 📖🔗 Your journey into history starts here!

🕰️✨ Vintage Vibes of ‘74: A 50-Year Legacy! 📸

This week, we’re spotlighting the incredible Third World Movement, a dynamic student organization that brought together 400 individuals of Black, Puerto Rican, and South American descent, leaving an indelible mark on campus life. 🌍✊

In celebration of the rich tapestry of Black History Month, we’re proud to showcase these captivating snapshots from the 1974 “Memorabilia” Yearbook.

📚 Today, as we bid farewell to February, we reflect on the lasting impact of the Third World Movement and its contribution to diversity and unity on campus.

🔗 Dive into history by clicking the link in our story to explore the digital version of the yearbook!

Can’t get enough? Visit the Special Collections Research Library and Archive at Kean University to experience more firsthand. 🏛️✨

#1974

We’re open to groups of all ages: K-12, college, and beyond! Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Trivia Tuesday is here once again! 🙌⁉️

This weeks question is, “What Kean Building is known for its iconic clock tower?”. 🤔💭

Comment your answers down below now or head over to our story and submit responses there! And make sure to come back tomorrow for the reveal of the answer!

📆 Monday Memories: Diversity Through the Decades! 🌍

Step into the Kean University 2004 “Memorabilia” Yearbook with us as we continue to honor Black History Month! ❤️🙌

Today’s post is a vibrant journey through unforgettable moments captured during this significant month. 📸

But that’s not all – we’re shedding light on the kaleidoscope of diversity at Kean, featuring snapshots from Unity Week and Culturefest.

As February concludes, stay tuned for one more post encapsulating the monumental month! 👀

Swipe up in our story to dive into the full yearbook and relive the rich tapestry of our campus history. 📚✨