February and March can be a time for archives to shine with the back-to-back celebrations of Black History Month and Women's History Month. Chestnutt Library at Fayetteville State University seized the opportunity to bring out some of their special collections and honor some amazing local figures. Head of Public Services Jessica Cerri and Archives Technician Nicholle Young spoke to us about their exhibit, Legendary Ladies.
1. What is the Legendary Ladies exhibit? How did you come up with the idea for it?
The Chesnutt Library Archives Legendary Ladies exhibit focuses on both Fayetteville State University alumnae and other women in the United States who have made history in various fields such as education, politics, and literature. It features a new U.S. Mint coin collection, artifacts from Chesnutt Library Archives & Special Collections, books, and video presentations. The concept was to develop a multimedia exhibition that promotes the various collections in the archives.
2. Can you tell us about some of the people/items featured in the exhibit? How did you choose what to display?
FSU Alumnae Betty D. Massenburg was the first Black woman to be principal in the Durham Public Schools system post integration. Massenburg and Civil Rights champion Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray (raised in Durham, N.C.) were selected to have a new elementary school in Durham named in honor of their respective works in 2022. As Rev. Dr. Murray was selected as the first coin of the U.S. Mint’s 2024 American Women Quarters series, it was a perfect fit for the theme! Other items on display include a broadside of Phillis Wheatley’s 1772 poem, “To the Rev. Mr. Pitkin, on the death of his lady,” given as a gift to the library.
3. How did you get the special quarters to distribute?
The Library Director, Lawrence Treadwell, ordered the coins from the U.S. Mint website.
4. What do you hope library patrons learn from this event?
We want library patrons to understand the different paths these women took to make a difference in the communities they were a part of. We also hope that it inspires the library patrons to consider how they can also contribute to positive social change.
5. What advice do you have for other libraries who are creating Black History Month and/or Women’s History Month exhibits?
There are many stories within nearby communities that libraries serve that can enhance exhibitions for Black History Month and Women’s History Month by identifying those who paved the way for others. Consider reaching out to neighborhoods and organizations for potential inclusion of those yet to be recognized.
If you have any questions about this exhibition or other information about Chesnutt Library Archives & Special Collections, you can contact them by phone at (910) 672-1545 or email at nyoung01 [at] uncfsu.edu (nyoung01[at]uncfsu[dot]edu) or lmehaffey [at] uncfsu.edu (lmehaffey[at]uncfsu[dot]edu).