I began a new phase in my professional career on July 17, 2023, as Head of Research and Instruction Services at Preston Library, Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. I’m currently adjusting to my new role and learning about the culture of this fantastic school and its surroundings.

I had an excellent opportunity to visit the Archives of Washington and Lee University on Friday, October 20, 2023. This prominent higher education institution with a long history is located within walking distance of VMI.

From left to right, Jeff Kosak, Head of Archives and Record Management at VMI, Karen Centeno, Head of Research and Instruction Services at VMI, and Byron E. Faidley, Senior Assistant, Rare Materials Digitization Coordinator, Special Collections and Archives at Washington and Lee University

The wonderful staff at the Archives greeted us, and I had the pleasure of viewing various significant objects throughout our visit. It was an eye-opening experience interacting with the W&L Archives personnel and learning more about the institution, history in general, and the past of this lovely country.

These are some of the gems available at the Washington & Lee Archives, which I got the opportunity to see:

Sumerian Clay Tablet from 2030 BCE

This Babylonian artifact is about 2 x 2 inches and was donated by a local alumnus. You can observe all the details carved into it representing a sale transaction of wheat. For more information about this artifact, you can watch the following video from W&L University Special Collections and Archives.

Video from Washington and Lee University Special Collections and Archives

A letter from George Washington to the Trustees of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) from June 17, 1798

The Board of Trustees decided to rename the institution Washington College after George Washington made a donation to the university. This letter is the response of George Washington.

Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies, printed in London in 1664

A book about the history of Virginia printed in London in 1627 written by Captain John Smith (yes, the John Smith from Pocahontas story)

The tour of the Washington and Lee University Archives was remarkable. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a librarian or because it’s in my nature, but I enjoy learning something new every day. I could not stop trying to memorize the forms carved on the Sumerian tablet. I read the letter from George Washington several times until I got familiar with his handwriting and was able to read the letter completely. When I held the book of John Adams in my hands, I felt a little duped by Disney because their depiction of John Smith is entirely different from the one in the book; he had a noticeable beard. Holding an original Shakespeare book was almost a sacred experience. The artifacts I had the privilege to see and interact with are all from different eras and historical backgrounds. For me, this experience was definitely more significant and exciting than visiting an amusement park.

Final Thoughts

Having all these artifacts in the institutional Special Collections and Archives allows students and the community to have a more impactful educational experience. It is not the same to see a picture of an antique Sumerian tablet as seeing one yourself. It is not the same to hear about John Smith as to see an original book he wrote. So many people have read Shakespeare’s work, but it will never be the same to have in your hands one original publication. It is also priceless to have in your hands an original letter from the first president of the United States.

It’s incredible that two higher education schools are so close together. VMI and W&L share not just the same location but also a common history.

W&L Archives has a very professional and courteous staff. They patiently responded to all of my questions. It is always a delight when information professionals get together and share their expertise. Each university is unique in terms of its history, background, academic offerings, and student population, among other factors.

In my new role as Head of Research and Instruction Services Librarian at VMI, I am looking forward to collaborating on projects with professionals at other higher education institutions. In a knowledge society, librarians must discover methods to connect with their peers, seek opportunities to learn from one another, and build collaborative initiatives. These possibilities can help us grow as professionals, broaden our perspectives, and stand out in our quest to support academic success.