In a small corner of the Jaenke Alumni Hall, a new exhibit about the history of Lumpkin Learning Commons and the campus’ library has opened. The exhibit hosts items from the library’s history that dates back all the way to 1896 up until what Blackburn has now. As a collection of photos and texts from Blackburn years ago, it is truly a marvel to view.
According to Blackburn alum and the writer and historical researcher who creates the exhibits in Jaenke, Tom Emery, “Lumpkin celebrated its 50th year of service last year, as it opened in 1968.” The exhibit just happens to be a fine new addition to Jaenke to help celebrate the history of Blackburn as a whole. Emery went on to say, “The story of the library is such a unique part of Blackburn history. The library has survived two fires, and was moved from its old location in Hudson to Lumpkin by human chain, which was students passing boxes and books from one to another.”
According to Learning Commons Coordinator Barbara Clark, “At a conference I learned that students who know the history of their institution are more likely to bond with the institution, to stay at the institution, to complete their degree at the institution.” Clark hopes to do whatever she can to help bring the history to the students of Blackburn, and hoped to do that when she wrote a small booklet showcasing the history of Blackburn College, which was updated a few years ago by her and alum Noah Daum.
Cataloging and Reference Librarian Lynn Armstrong said, “It’s nice for [potential students coming in through Admissions] to get a feel of what it means to be a part of Blackburn and see that whole tradition and history.” Armstrong went on to talk about how the entire college’s history is not usually displayed at most colleges when a student walks out of the Admissions Office. She hopes that potential students coming in are able to see this history and fall in love with this campus.