2022 is winding down and I want to take this opportunity to review this past year in the archives.
Presentations
I love to talk about Theta history and this past year was no exception. In January, I appeared on Virtual Thetas and we had members share some of their Theta treasures while I provided background information. Beyond the actual items, the stories they shared made the items so special. (You can view some of these treasures in the Theta Magazine.)
In May, I was able to speak in person at the Indianapolis Alumnae Luncheon and we asked attendees to bring their favorite Theta item. What was shared ranged from badges to photographs to a hand-painted skirt. Again, it was the stories that made it special.
Another way that I got to share the archives is through From the Theta Archives on social media. While I may be filming these at headquarters, I always feel like I am talking to each of you.
Questions
Answering questions I receive from Thetas, families of Thetas, chapter members, officers, staff, and the public is one of the best parts of my job. Whether it is “I am interested in my chapter’s history” or “My mother/aunt/grandmother was a Theta. I’d like to know more information about her,” these questions allow me to dig into the rich resources contained in the Theta archives. I also help college chapter archivists and alumnae chapter members preserve their own records. I enjoy working with them as we figure out ways to save and share that history. If you are just getting started, several guides exist on the Theta website to help, and I always welcome the opportunity to chat!
Exhibits
I love creating exhibits for Grand Convention attendees and I enjoyed making Grand Convention 2022’s iteration. 2022 marked the 150th anniversary of Grand Conventions and attendees were able to revisit Conventions past, including the first one held in 1872 in Bloomington, Ind. (You can read more about it in the recent issue of the Theta Magazine.) It also was exciting to welcome visitors back to headquarters and open the Heritage Museum and the Theta Room (which looks at the history of our ritual) to visitors. If you are in the Indianapolis area, please schedule a visit!
Looking back over the past year, it is the common theme of sharing Theta history that runs across these activities. Do not hesitate to contact the archives if you have questions, are interested in presentations, considering donating items, or need help in preserving your chapter’s archives. I cannot wait to see what stories are shared in 2023.