Getting Dusty at the Beloit Archives

By ALEX CAMBOURIS

Over a year has passed since the reopening of the Morse Library here at Beloit. The library in its completed state has surpassed all expectations brought forth, supported in no small part by the archives department. Located on the ground floor, the archives offer an extensive selection of Beloit history, documentation and cultural artifacts.

It was back in the 1980s when Beloit employed its first full-time archivist, a man named Fred Burwell. Burwell ran a column called “Fridays with Fred” where he cataloged the history of Beloit, all of which can be found in the archives. He was titled Archivist Emeritus in 2021 for his long dedication to the college. 

The archives were built along with the library in part to honor world famous anthropologist and Beloit alum Roy Chapman Andrews. Allegedly the man who inspired Indiana Jones, Andrews career was a hallmark of success in anthropology, paleontology and the natural sciences. Yet documents held within the archives go further back than even his time. “There are documents that date back to the founding of the college,” says Diane Ray, Beloit’s current Archivist. 

The archives specializes in storing unpublished works such as letters and manuscripts for use in research and study. The many items within cannot be found anywhere else on Earth, making them uniquely valuable. Among the many items are books, CDs, DVDs, manuscripts, photo albums, clothing, letters, alumni files, merchandise, local TV advertisements, AV discs and thousands of pages of college history and memorabilia. Even several replica scrolls and facsimiles, which are replicas of very old books. All of the old Beloit yearbooks and Round Table papers are included as well. Information on the catalogue and finding materials can be found on the archive website. 

“The archives are a great resource for students in the history or anthropology departments, or any students who often find themselves in the library,” says Ray. “We are open to everyone, so come down and say hello.” Any students who are interested in participating in the archival effort can contact Diane Ray or Ellen Joyce via email. Students are further encouraged to donate any work or belongings they are interested in preserving as a part of Beloit’s history. The archives provide a unique window into the world we are all a part of here at Beloit College. It is said the past is a foreign country, and at the archives, students have the chance to see a glimpse of the culture and lifestyle of those who came before. Beloit’s archives are located on the East side of the Morse Library’s ground floor. All are welcome to come check it out.

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