The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can
be read on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/041409.shtm

Photos are also available for download at the same link.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 14, 2009
Press Contacts

202-653-4632
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask]
Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask]
 
IMLS Celebrates National Library Week
Director Tours Historical Treasures Found at Capitol Hill Middle School 

Washington, DC-In honor of National Library Week, Anne-Imelda M. Radice,
Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), toured
the newly-created archives at the Stuart-Hobson Middle School on Capitol
Hill on April 14. The historical treasures, including irreplaceable PTA
scrapbooks, historical photos, and roll books dating from 1926 to 1967,
were re-discovered during the 2006 renovation of the school library.
After the tour, Radice joined the students and others in burying a time
capsule containing essays on the students' hopes and dreams as a "letter
to the future celebrating the letters from the past." The project was
funded by the District of Columbia Public Library through a grant from
IMLS.

"I share the students' excitement about the archives and the stories
they tell about students from long ago. The students' connection to the
school's past, and to their own place in history, highlights the value
of these archival documents, photos, and other items. I am proud that
IMLS is able to support the school and student efforts to preserve these
community treasures for future generations."

At the event, School Archivists Satu Haase-Webb and Elizabeth Behrendt
talked about working with students to organize, clean, order, and
catalog the archives. Students explained how they have used the archives
for their National History Day projects to answer questions such as how
did integration happen at the previously all-white school and what was
World War II like for students. 

All upper grade students of the middle school have been involved in this
project. Eighth graders now have carefully sorted and labeled
documentation to work from when writing about their school's history.
These students have also been trained in how to clip news articles for
posterity, and are examining the "The Washington Post" and "The
Washington Times" daily to find, save and archive articles about their
school and the full Capitol Hill Cluster School consortium. Students,
trained in the techniques of conducting oral history interviews, have
also met and interviewed people in the community with historical ties to
the school.

The Stuart Junior High School was built on Capitol Hill in the 1920s for
white students only. In 1954, District public schools were integrated in
response to the Bolling v. Sharpe decision handed down at the same time
as the Brown v. Board of Education decision. These changes and other
aspects of the neighborhood's rich history are reflected in the
archives. 

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services 
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of
federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.
The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that
connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the
national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to
sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and
innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about
the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

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