Week 7 - Inventory

This week at the archive was very relaxed: now that we have a solid, full-fledged game plan to create an inventory, we have continued to go through the files in the file drawers, using a very detailed and organized template that Lisa made. We met at the site on Wednesday to gather more files to take home - usually just a handful at a time so that we do not get overwhelmed. Some files are much more dense than others, and we try to get a good amount to work with each time. We have now moved on to the second drawer of the first filing cabinet. Yay! 

We also made sure to email our internship director, Patrick, our list of items we would like to help better organize the archive. 

Going through this second batch of files has been a bit concerning - a lot of the ones I went through had bug carcasses and a lot of grime and dirt scattered throughout. According to Laumer's own inventory, which we came across last week, the historian had stored quite a few of these files in his garage, which may have exposed the documents to extensive heat and humidity. I also believe that when the materials were moved, they were left in storage containers and boxes for a while before being housed in the filing cabinets (I believe this based on a conversation we had with Dr. French and Patrick at the beginning of the internship - where Dr. French noted that a lot of work had been done in moving the files out of disorganized piles.) 

At this meeting it was also told to us that we did not have to use gloves to go through the files, but at our meeting last week with archivists Mary and Adam, as well as the appearance of these files, I think using cotton gloves with nylon gloves underneath will be good practice. I'll be sure to add them to the list.

Because of the bugs, dirt, and other discoloration the documents have, I am eager to get new folders, paperclips, archival paper, and other items to help prevent the documents from getting worse. 

With the brass tacks covered, I will share a couple of interesting finds from this week's folders: 

One very public history find was a file folder titled Amanda Clark. In it, there was email correspondence between Laumer and Amanda concerning her ancestor, Ransom Clark. Amanda requested some information from Laumer and his research on Ransom Clark, which Laumer very happily obliged. He sent her a package of his research on Ransom, and Amanda was extremely grateful. 

Email from Amanda Clark expressing gratitude to Laumer

I found this such a heartwarming read - I bet knowing that your years of exhaustive research reached out to someone in such an intimate way was an amazing feeling for Laumer, - a feeling that a lot of public historians chase.

Another unique find was a letter from one Seminole War Lieutenant to another - a very friendly (and honestly adorable) letter describing trust and friendship. 

Friend!

Finds like this are the most fun part of the internship. I am grateful, even when reading through hundreds of pages of printed email correspondence, to come across these unique peaks into peoples' lives!