A Look into the Past

Students in Introduction to Public History are looking into the past to learn the importance of preservation for the future. The class, taught by Assistant Professor of History Dr. Hector Montford, recently listened to a presentation by the College of Coastal Georgia’s new archivist Mylynda Gill, who discussed the role and importance of an archivist.

Although there are many definitions for an archivist, Gill personally defines it as “Someone who preserves the past and present today for future generations.” These students will now be using what’s been preserved for their semester-long project focusing on the history of the College. They will use the College’s archives to research different topics, such as athletics, events, facilities, and academics; then have the opportunity to present their findings in different ways, such as a walking tour or digitally.

After Gill’s presentation, students looked through some archival items to help them narrow down their topic. Students read newspaper clippings and flipped through the pages of publications, such as the Jolly Roger, Crow’s Nest, and BJC Buccaneer, and got a glimpse of what life was like at the College and in the surrounding community years ago. Gill also gave students a tour of where the College’s archives are stored.

For help researching the library’s archives, faculty, staff, and students can contact Mylynda Gill at mgill@ccga.edu.