The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) is excited to present another entry in our Archives Neighbors blog series. SCRC has recently had the opportunity to visit with some of our neighbor archives in the Northern Virginia-D.C. Metro area. In this series we’re recapping these new connections with members of our local archival community, providing insights into the lessons we learned, and highlighting some of our favorite experiences from each of these visits. And as much as we love going out into the world and visiting other institutions, we also love getting to host neighbors here at SCRC, which is why we were excited to receive two visits from neighboring local history archives.
Thomas Balch Library staff viewing an exhibit of items from SCRC collections (left) & Virginia Room staff learning about our Artists’ Books from our Research Services Librarian (right)
On February 5, we hosted a group of staff, volunteers, and interns from the Thomas Balch Library in Leesburg. In addition to giving a tour of our processing and closed stack space, we put together a small exhibit of highlights from our collections, including local history Manuscript materials, University Archives pieces, and selections from our Rare Books holdings. We were lucky to be able to enjoy lunch together as well, which allowed for more sharing of ideas, experiences, and building connections across institutions.
“I completed one of my archives internships at Thomas Balch Library, so I loved having the opportunity to reconnect and show them around SCRC.” – Meghan, SCRC Processing Manager
Members of SCRC & Thomas Balch Library posing in the SCRC processing area with the exhibit of items
“We greatly appreciate the time Balch Library staff took to visit Mason! I appreciated learning more about what they do, and the engaging shop talk. We always learn so much from our colleagues around the state!” – Lynn, SCRC Director
A little over a month later, on April 1, we hosted staff from the Virginia Room, located on the second floor of The City of Fairfax Regional Library in Fairfax. We were once again excited to provide a detailed tour of our closed stack space before concluding with another specially curated exhibit of local and Mason history items from our Manuscript and University Archives collections. As a special treat, the group also got a special introduction to SCRC’s favorite resident mascot: Gunston!
“It’s great to connect with fellow professionals and discuss our shared experiences regarding patrons, collection practices, and the management of records in our storage areas. The archives field is relatively small, which makes it especially rewarding to match faces and names with the institutions.” – Mieko, SCRC Research Services Librarian
Members of the Virginia Room in the SCRC processing area learning about the exhibit of items from our Manuscripts & Archives Librarian
“Getting to connect with local archives colleagues is always a pleasure and a privilege. Seeing new and old faces from the Thomas Balch Library and the Virginia Room was such a treat. I always learn and grow from these meetings, and I hope to continue that in the future!” – Amanda, SCRC Manuscripts & Archives Librarian
Everyone at SCRC extends another thank you to the members of the Thomas Balch Library and the Virginia Room for taking the time to come visit! Stay tuned for more highlights from these exciting visits as we continue to strengthen our connections with our “Archives Neighbors”.
Follow SCRC on Social Media and look out for future posts on our Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky accounts. To search the collections held at Special Collections Research Center, go to our website and browse the finding aids by subject or title. You may also e-mail us at speccoll@gmu.edu or call 703-993-2220 if you would like to schedule an appointment, request materials, or if you have questions.
