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.
Thomas Balch Library main lobby (left) and entrance to the Rust Archives (right)
On June 18, we had the opportunity to visit some very close archives neighbors (who had visited us back in February) by taking a trip to the Thomas Balch Library in Leesburg. We were treated to a morning visit that included a full tour of the amazing reading room spaces led by the Balch’s small but mighty team of full-time staff members.
SCRC staff and student workers touring two of the Balch’s beautiful reading rooms
Touring the reading rooms revealed so many fun details in the space, such as this clock located right at the main entry (left) and of course the centerpiece bust of namesake Thomas Balch (right)
Our last reading room stop allowed us to spend some time with a specially curated display of items from the Balch’s varied local history collections. And perhaps most importantly we all got the opportunity to smell 100 year old wedding cake!
Sample of some of our favorite pieces and a view of the group examining the items on display
The display included numerous photographs, including tintypes, and documents, such as this one signed by George Washington
“Since during my internship at the Thomas Balch Library I only worked with one collection I loved having the opportunity to see more of their collections. I so appreciated the enthusiasm and time that was put into our visit!” – Meghan, SCRC Processing Manager
The Balch staff provided context and stories about the items and collections (right) and our Processing Manager got to reunite with the photography collection she worked on during her internship (Elaine Thompson photographs, left)
“I really enjoyed the tour of the library, seeing the services that they offer, and the items that they displayed. The wedding cake fascinated me the most because it was still intact! Makes me wonder the ingredients and how it was made.” – Shawna, SCRC Oral History Project Archivist
The 100+ year old cake in question; opinions differ on the smell
After finishing our tour of the reading rooms, which are all publicly accessible and primarily include the library’s collection of published materials, we got to visit the spaces where the Balch staff and volunteers store and process the library’s archival collections. This included the Rust Archives space and the staff work rooms on the bottom level.
A quick peak into the Rust Archives, located behind the main information desk, which houses many of the archival collections
“It was helpful to see how the staff is working within the constraints of their tight space. I really enjoyed talking with all the Balch staff and hearing their stories; it always helps to have things in context!” – Lynn, SCRC Director
We always loved a good cart name and the chance to see the personality of our fellow archivists!
After a delicious lunch we were treated to one more tour after taking a short walk over to the nearby Donaldson Cabin. This was a unique space and it was interesting to learn about how it’s being used and managed. Additionally, it provided us with an unexpected lesson in the importance of squirrel scalps!
Details from the Donaldson Cabin, including information on its namesake Stephen Donaldson
And finally the all-important (and truly fascinating) information on the importance of squirrel scalps!
Everyone at SCRC extends another huge thank you to everyone at the Thomas Balch Library for their welcoming spirit and truly wonderful and engaging 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.
