The Reading Room

One of the great joys of archival research is that you never know what you might stumble upon. Historians and researchers frequently enter an archive with a specific question or focus, only to find themselves drawn down a completely different path due to an unexpected discovery (I know I have). These moments can reorient research projects, produce new narratives and stories, and even rewrite history.

An unexpected discovery in the archives can take us down a path that we could have never anticipated. A single document can spark a new line of inquiry, leading to further research, publications, and even new historical narratives. Many groundbreaking historical studies have originated from chance discoveries in archives.

In my experience, while researching my essay on the anti-war student demonstrations on UGA's campus during Cold War, I, by chance, came across documents regarding protests at UGA about the Kent State shooting. In fact, many of the documents indicated that the protests about Kent State were more fervent and impactful than those about the Vietnam War. Though the demonstrations coincided, I was led down a rabbit hole. I began to research the impact that the Kent State shooting had on the campuses of state-level universities. Typically, state schools are massively underrepresented in historical scholarship; the reasons vary, but because of the archives here at UGA, I was able to attack my essay, and the current historical understanding of events, from a whole new perspective.

Beyond personal satisfaction, archival research can offer the opportunity to contribute to historical knowledge. Many archives, like those here at UGA, hold vast collections of materials that have not yet been thoroughly examined. Researchers who are able to interpret and publish these findings are actively shaping the understanding of our past.

In recent years, the digitization of archives has expanded access to historical materials, but, in my opinion, physical archives will always have their place. Even if every collection of archives in the world is digitized, the hands-on experience of archival research, somewhere in a reading room, will still provide the unparalleled ability to uncover a long-forgotten document. Researching in person and researching online are very different from one another. Online, you are typically able to only view what you need in order to conduct your research. In person, you have to engage with resources you otherwise would not, such is the task of combing through literal boxes and treasure troves of sources. Over the course of one's research, the process becomes very rewarding. It is always fun to think that every trip to the archives holds the potential for a new discovery.