Bridging the Gap Conference Resources: Primary Sources Track

Explore the significance of primary sources in educational settings across all levels. This track will delve into the accessibility challenges and critical analysis of primary sources, highlighting USU Libraries’ collections. Engage in discussions on student involvement with these resources and discover key highlights from USU’s collections that can enrich community knowledge and historical understanding. 

Presentation 1

National Champions! Capturing and Using Oral Histories as Primary Sources 

Kelly Rovegno, Dan Davis & Joe Kinzer 

The growing popularity of oral histories in primary source instruction stems from their ability to capture the lived experiences of individuals who witnessed or participated in historical events. These firsthand accounts offer unique perspectives and context often missing from traditional written sources. Here at Utah State University, the story is no different. While the women's volleyball team secured the university's first national championship in 1978, followed by back-to-back softball titles in 1980 and 1981, the Utah State University Archives lacked extensive documentation about these remarkable achievements. To address this gap, the University Archives and the History Department joined forces in 2022 to collect oral histories from players and coaches, ensuring their stories become an enduring part of the university's legacy. 
This discussion will delve into the practicalities of conducting oral histories in the classroom. Presenters will share examples of how students actively engaged in the research process, highlight best practices, and demonstrate how the resulting oral histories have been used to enrich classroom instruction. 

Presentation 2

Hands on History: Connecting Students with Rare and Unique Collections 

Paul Daybell & Luke Boardman 

This session focuses on the transformative experience of students handling and studying unique and rare special collections. This hands-on experience helps to connect students with the past through material culture. SCA’s Book Arts & Rare Books Curator will lead attendees through a course project where students helped to facilitate a 'Rare Books Petting Zoo' as part of USU research week. Attendees will be able to see and view texts from the Renaissance period.  

Presentation 3

From the Stacks to the Stadium: University Archives Primary Sources Can Take You There  

Kelly Rovegno 

The Utah State University Archives is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and making accessible the university's permanent historical record. This comprehensive collection encompasses published materials, faculty papers, office files, and other historical artifacts generated by research centers, institutes, and academic departments. With over 2,700 collections, navigating this wealth of information can seem daunting. 
This session aims to equip attendees with "pocket" primary source packets focusing on the university's history, highlighting connections to local and Utah history. Attendees will receive sample materials and handouts showcasing how these documents have been used in educational settings. The session will also explore additional ways to integrate primary sources into classroom instruction and delve into the diverse range of topics covered by the University Archives.