Come to the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room to view two new exhibits showcasing amazing Special Collections materials, curated by two Ball State University student employees. The Archives’ two student assistants, Rachel Hill and Abbey Wuestefeld, were each given an exhibit case in the Reading Room to curate based on topics of their choosing. They each chose topics they were interested in, conducted research, chose items to display, and wrote their own descriptions. The result is two fantastic displays on two very different topics, with interesting and visually appealing items in both.

Rachel Hill curated the Accounts of Greco-Roman Mythology in Special Collections exhibit, with the aim of showcasing items relating to Greek and Roman Myth that are held by the Archives and Special Collections. This includes an 18th century printing of Homer’s Odyssey (1725), which was first written down in the 8th century BCE following centuries of oral tradition. Also included are Greek and English copies of the Olympian Odes by Pindar, originally written in the 4th century BCE, and artfully recreated for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens by William H. Race (Pindarou Olympionikoi, 2004). There are even more items than these to see in the display case located in the Archives. Here is Rachel’s description for her exhibit:

Mythology is one of the oldest forms of storytelling. It has had an immeasurable influence and role in human culture, building the foundations for religion, social structures, and early philosophy. These stories had the power to unite people socially and politically. Much of Greek and Roman mythology originates in the oral tradition of cultures such as the Mesopotamians, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans. Over the course of history, the stories have been created, altered, and reinterpreted by the Greeks and the Romans respectively. Our knowledge of their myths today primarily comes from artifacts and texts carefully preserved by historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists. Displayed are books containing expressions of Greek and Roman mythology ranging from ancient accounts to modern historical views.

Abbey Wuestefeld curated the Children’s Literature in Special Collections exhibit, which features children’s books from the mid 19th century to early 20th century that are held by the Archives and Special Collections. This includes classic fairytales like Little Red Riding Hood (1886), a panoramic fold-out book depicting children playing and working in the snow (Winter Sports, 1886), and even a tiny book of riddles (Book of Riddles, 1846). There are more children’s books to see, as well, in the exhibit in the Reading Room of the Archives and Special Collections. Here is Abbey’s description for her exhibit:

The Archives and Special Collections contain a wide variety of historic children’s books, from chapbooks and vintage toy books to illustrated classic Mother Goose tales. Most of the storybooks featured in this display date from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, as chromolithography became popular during this period, enabling the mass production of colored imagery in storybooks. During the 1800’s, children’s literature shifted from moralistic tales to books meant for enjoyment and leisure. Fantasy, adventure, and domestic stories took to the limelight, promoting imagination and creativity. Showcased here are examples of chromolithograph illustrations and common tales from this era of children’s literature.

Please stop by the Archives and Special Collections, located on the 2nd floor of Bracken Library, to see these amazing exhibits created by Ball State Student Employees!