A Conversation With...
University Archivist
Anne Turkos

1) Talk a little bit about the archives here at the University of Maryland and the historical records you oversee.

As University Archivist, I am responsible for all the permanent records of our campus, no matter what form they may take. Our collections currently consist of four types of materials - office files and records from academic departments, administrative units and student groups; publications such as course catalogs, technical reports, newsletters, and brochures; photographs; and memorabilia objects. I have not delved into the maintenance of the university's electronic records too deeply at this point, although they are a concern, and I must carve out some time to address those types of records in the near future.

Our holdings date back to the 1850s, to the planning for and the opening of the Maryland Agricultural College , and we actively collect materials currently being created on campus. At present we have more than one linear mile of documents, approximately 1,000 linear feet of publications, nearly 500,000 photographs, and about 800 objects. Some of the very special materials in the Archives include the first course catalog, the original student registration book, and the taxidermied terrapin that was the model for the statue of Testudo given to the university by the Class of 1933, the one that now stands in front of McKeldin Library. We have lots of very interesting photographs of the university and campus life, dating back to the 1860s.

2) Are you still gathering historical information about Maryland? Are you still surprised at what is being donated?

Yes, we actively collect all sorts of materials. We work closely with offices across campus to bring in their non-current, permanent records, and we pick up university publications wherever we go. Many times newly acquired collections include photographs and objects as well. My staff and I joke that it's like Christmas every day, because materials come in so frequently. In addition to our on-campus contacts, we work very closely with alumni and other friends of the university to acquire collections that they have accumulated.

It's amazing what people have saved. Recently Ralph Davis's son, Fletcher, donated some items his father accumulated during his undergraduate days, his subsequent studies at the University of Maryland Medical School, and his career as a doctor. Dr. Davis was a member of the Class of 1942 and was the composer of the Maryland fight song. Among the materials are the original manuscript for the fight song, a recording of the song on a steel phonograph record, and his father's band letter sweater. It's a wonderful collection, and I am delighted to have the Davis materials to add to the University Archives. I encourage all members of the campus community, all alumni and their families, and other friends of the university to consider the University Archives as the repository for their files and memories, and I am always delighted to talk with people about sending materials to the Archives.

3) Why is it important for an educational institution like Maryland to celebrate something like its 150th Anniversary?

It is important for the University of Maryland to recognize its history and evolution and the promise that the future holds for the institution. When you examine the hopes and dreams of the founders of the Maryland Agricultural College and see how far the institution has come in the last 150 years, you cannot help but be excited about the next 150! We have faced many challenges in our history, but each time, I believe, the university has emerged as a stronger institution - learning from the past and putting that knowledge to work for its betterment. During the anniversary celebration, I hope that the entire campus community and all of our alumni and supporters across the state, the nation, and the world develop a much better understanding of our history and of the university's continued quest for excellence. We are justly proud of how far the institution has come and how much promise there is for the years ahead.

4) Tell me about some of the things you are doing to help support the Anniversary.

The staff of the University Archives and I are involved in many anniversary-related projects. We will have a major role in the creation of the university's pictorial history book and historical video that will debut next March; many of our most beautiful and interesting photographs, documents, and objects will be included in these productions. We are providing support for many of the anniversary projects that the colleges, schools, and administrative units across campus are undertaking. There are several exhibits planned during the celebration in which we will be involved, including major presentations in the Union Art Gallery in October, the Miller Senate Office Building in Annapolis beginning in December, and the Maryland Room Gallery in Hornbake Library in spring 2006. We are working on projects related to the First Year Book, upgrading the appearance of the food court in the Student Union, and enhancing the displays in the new Riggs Alumni Center , and we are providing information and images to on- and off-campus media outlets. It's a very busy time for us, but it is the Archives' chance to shine, and we are going to do our best to make the anniversary celebration memorable for all.

4) In your own mind, what are some of the events that really had an impact on Maryland and helped make it what it is today.

That is a tough question to answer in a few words. There is so much I could cite for you, from all different points of view. Certainly the vision of Charles Benedict Calvert and the other founders has guided a great deal of our history.
The 1912 fire, which destroyed the two largest buildings on campus, gave the college a chance to re-define itself, and it rose stronger than ever from the ashes of that disaster. The introduction of international students in the 1870s, women students in 1916, and African American students in the early 1950s are important landmarks in the diversity of our campus, a value that we celebrate today.

The G.I. Bill and the resultant flood of newly enrolled students in the aftermath of World War II had a major impact on our academic offerings and our physical plant. The demonstrations against the Vietnam War in the late 1960s and early 1970s challenged university administration and created a freer campus society, one much more open to widely varying points of view. The tragic death of Len Bias in 1986 galvanized the campus to look at the way it was managing athletics and academics, and I think the university is stronger today because of this scrutiny. There are many more events that I could list, but I think those are the most significant.

5) You are a great Maryland trivia buff (and have a Maryland trivia book coming out). What are some of the more interesting trivia items about Maryland ?

Trivia comes from all directions - academics, student life, sports, famous alumni - you name a topic, and I can probably come up with a piece of trivia for you. Many people know about our role in this summer's Deep Impact space mission but don't know that the university conducted early experiments in rocketry and that four of our alumni have gone on to become astronauts. We even had a rocket named the "Terrapin;" it was first test-fired on September 21, 1956.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip came to the university to watch a football game in 1957; the Terps beat the North Carolina Tar Heels 21-7, and the queen had a wonderful time. On her way back to the White House, where she was visiting President Eisenhower, she stopped in the Giant Food Store that still exists on Queen's Chapel Road in Chillum; as you can imagine, the shoppers in the store were absolutely amazed to see her in her mink coat, chatting with folks and looking at the steaks and frozen food.

Pyon Su, the first Korean student to earn a degree from an American college or university, graduated from the Maryland Agricultural College in 1891; only a few months later, he was killed by a train at the College Park railroad crossing and was buried in a cemetery in Beltsville. Connie Chung, Class of 1969, who has become a very well-known television broadcaster, was originally a biology major and was Freshman Queen in 1966. I am very excited about my book coming out this fall, and I hope that folks who pick it up will enjoy it and learn loads of interesting trivia about our campus. We are all part of an amazing place!

6) What excites you the most about the University of Maryland ? What does its history say to the world?

The University of Maryland is a vibrant and dynamic place. I enjoy the academic environment and being a part of all the learning, research, and performing arts experiences that take place on campus. I am a huge Terps fan, and I am always amazed by what I learn about our athletic heritage. I take great pleasure from interacting with our students, faculty, and staff. I learn a great deal from others and take pride in all the accomplishments of this special place as we continue to strive for excellence.

As University Archivist, it's my job to be familiar with the entire history of this institution, and I can see quite vividly how it has changed and progressed in its first 150 years. I believe our history demonstrates how a small college or university can become a great one, inspired by the vision of its leaders and the commitment of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Through hard work, enormous dedication, and incredible determination, we have grown from a "cow college" of 34 students to a highly ranked, internationally recognized research institution, with a top-notch student body and faculty, a dedicated staff, and an ever-expanding group of committed alumni. We have overcome many very serious challenges of all sorts - financial, political, civil rights, and physical facilities, to name a few. We can all take great pride in the accomplishments of the University of Maryland , and I hope that all members of the Maryland family, far and wide, will re-dedicate themselves to improving every aspect of our campus in the years ahead.

7) You sound like one of the most passionate Terps out there!

It is an honor and a privilege for me to be the archivist for the University of Maryland . Although I am not an alumna of the university, I have worked here for more than 20 years, and this special place has truly become my home and my passion. I am excited by the challenges of meeting the information and image needs of the 150 th anniversary celebration and by the opportunity I have each day to shape the campus's historical documentation, deciding what materials will be preserved for scholars and members of the university community who will be looking at our history in the years to come.