By Rakashi Chand, Reader Services
The archive of the Massachusetts Historical Society is not only home to an invaluable and incredible collection of American history, but it is also staffed by amazing people. Get to know your local archivists in Reader Services! We are here to assist you with all your research needs in the library of the Massachusetts Historical Society.
To find out more about the wonderful archivists you meet when you visit the MHS, I asked a few fun questions:
Why did you choose to become an Archivist?
What is your favorite archival tool?
And what is your favorite MHS collection(s)?
From Alex Bush,
Library Assistant in Reader Services
Why did you choose to be an archivist?
I stumbled into the field unexpectedly after my third year of American Studies at Smith—all I knew was that I wanted to surround myself with history and always have a use for all those dates and eras I’d spent so long studying. I also happened to have some experience working in libraries. I was lucky enough to get a short summer internship at the Massachusetts Historical Society, which ended up completely cementing my love for all things archival and sent me straight from Smith to Simmons College to start my career in library science/archives. Upon returning to Boston, I was also able to return as a staff member (not a lowly intern!) at Mass Historical. The moral of the story is that you should never listen to people who tell you that your undergrad major is useless, because you might end up accidentally tripping into your dream career.
Your favorite archival tool?
I love those little white cotton gloves. They make me feel super fancy.
Your favorite MHS collection?
I could spend hours reading through John Quincy Adams’ diaries—nearly 70 years of daily entries, all digitized and available on the Mass Historical website. Included is everything from line-a-day quips to long musings on American politics to marginal doodles. I find it especially impressive that he managed to include the hour he awoke every morning (usually between 3 and 6 a.m.).
From Brendan Kieran,
Library Assistant in Reader Services
Why did you choose to become an Archivist?
I first took interest in the field as an undergraduate history major looking for a career path involving history. I was initially drawn to the idea of working with historical materials. However, a desire to help preserve and make accessible marginalized histories plays in important role in keeping me motivated and excited about this type of work.
Your favorite archival tool?
I really enjoy looking through our collection guides when working on reference questions here at the MHS. Each guide is different, and I like coming across various names and subjects – some expected, some unexpected – while searching them.
Your favorite MHS collection?
The Walter Channing Papers, 1810-1921, which I highlighted in a recent post on The Beehive, is one collection that really interests me. It was exciting to explore the ways in which MHS collections are relevant to the study of anarchism in the United States.
From Grace Wagner,
Library Assistant in Reader Services
Why you choose to be an Archivist?
I majored in history in undergrad and I’ve always been interested in material culture, particularly fashion and textiles. Archives unite both interests.
Your favorite archival tool?
Searchable finding aids are incredibly useful in that they provide information about an entire collection rather than a basic overview.
And your favorite MHS collection(s)?
I am constantly surprised by the diverse materials housed in our small broadsides collection and, in particular, enjoy looking through the Theater broadsides.
From Rakashi Chand,
Senior Library Assistant in Reader Services
Why you choose to be an Archivist?
I have always loved history, even as a child. I looked for ways to immerse myself in that which I loved, and the Library of the Massachusetts Historical Society is a history-lovers dream come true! Not only am I surrounded by history, as a member of the Readers Services Staff, I am a guardian of history! We ensure that the manuscripts are safe every step of the way; from the moment they leave the stacks, while in transport, then consulted in our Reading Room, until they are safely returned to the stack shelves. It’s like being on the frontlines of historical research and protection!
Your favorite archival tool?
My favorite tool is Abigail, our online catalog. We depend heavily on our catalog and consult it continually throughout the day. Our catalog is fully searchable from home and readily accessible through our website at www.masshist.org. In Reference Services, Abigail is certainly my best friend.
A close second are Hollinger Archival boxes; seeing rows of neatly organized Hollinger boxes full of documents is simply thrilling!
And your favorite MHS collection(s)?
There are too many collections to name! The fact that we have the equivalent of three presidential libraries always astounds me! The Papers of President John Adams, President John Quincy Adams and the second largest collection of President Thomas Jefferson Papers outside of Monticello! But that’s not all, we have more Presidential Papers! I also love so many of the intimate pieces of history housed in our collection, such as the dying letter of Wilder Dwight, in my opinion one of the most touching and poignant items in our collection. We also house 53 pieces of mourning jewelry in our artifact collection.
From Shelby Wolfe,
Library Assistant in Reader Services
Why you choose to be an Archivist?
Helping others access archival material is a great way to learn unexpected things while I work.
Your favorite archival tool?
Since ABIGAIL has led me to countless reference question answers, research interests, and blog post topics, I would have to say our online catalog is my favorite tool.
And your favorite MHS collection(s)?
I’m a big fan of the numerous travel diaries in our collections – anytime I need to take a mini vacation, they’re always there for me!
Please feel free to ask us more about our field, our library and our collections!