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Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd and 3rd posts. The following post was contributed by John Dunning. 

Warning: The following content features accounts of war and human suffering. Content may be upsetting to some.

The Battle of Okinawa

September 2, 2024, marks 79 years since the formal surrender of the Empire of Japan in World War 2. The dropping of two atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, coupled with the impending threat of a third and a ground invasion of mainland Japan by U.S. forces, pushed Emperor Hirohito to sign the Instrument of Surrender on the deck of the USS Missouri. This moment was the culmination of intense fighting and the loss of many lives across three and a half years.

One of the bloodiest and most crucial victories by U.S. forces to set up the surrender of Japan was the Battle of Okinawa. Beginning April 1, 1945, Okinawa was the final major obstacle in their path. Starting with heavy shelling by U.S. Naval Forces, a ground invasion of around 60,000 U.S. Marines and soldiers from the U.S. Tenth Army would follow. The battle would end in the capture of the island at the cost of approximately 49,000 American lives. The story of Okinawa, especially its planning and early days, can be found throughout the East Carolina Manuscript Collection donated by those who served.

Invasion of Okinawa, A Pictorial Review. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Paul R. Lash Papers (#677-073), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Having identified the strategic importance of Okinawa, the intelligence community began planning for an eventual assault months ahead of “L-Day” on April 1st, 1945. Nicknamed “Operation Iceberg,” the U.S. Armed Forces in the Pacific conducted reconnaissance of the island, producing maps and aerial photographs to assist with the planning. An example includes the Intelligence Map Nansei Shoto Okinawa Gunto produced in January 1945.

Intelligence Map of Nansei Shoto Okinawa Gunto (#MC0014-002), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Maps such as these identified natural obstacles to avoid, such as flooded areas in grid 8978; targets to eliminate, like a railroad station in grid 8280; or sites of strategic importance, such as the Yonabaru Airstrip in grid 8473. Additional examples of maps used in the campaign can be found in Cdr. Lynn F. Barry and Betty J. Barry Collection #1298 and U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Roy A. Dye, Jr., Papers #0677-065.

As the preparation sped up in the wake of the victory at Iwo Jima, written plans were developed and disseminated to the participants. Some examples of these include typed guides for rehearsals of the invasion, as well the plan for the first few days of the invasion titled “Informational Outline for Operation Iceberg” included in Lieutenant Roy A. Dye, Jr.’s papers. While officers, such as Dye, were absorbed in the logistical planning, the enlisted men prepared by eating one last good meal and attending religious services.

Invasion of Okinawa, A Pictorial Review. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Paul R. Lash Papers (#677-073), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

As the April 1, 1945, “L-Day” drew near, U.S. Navy ships from Task Force 58 (TF58) began “softening” up the beaches for an amphibious assault on Okinawa. Captain Leon Grabowsky was a part of TF58 aboard the USS Leutze and speaks about his experience in the Leon Grabowsky Oral History Interview June 7, 1991.

Also at the forefront of the battle was Captain Willard W. DeVenter aboard the USS Arkansas who discusses his story of the battle in the Willard W. DeVenter oral history interview, August 27, 1996.

Both Grabowsky and DeVenter discuss the overwhelming amount of Japanese kamikaze attacks that plagued TF58 at the beginning of the invasion as part of the Japanese operation “Ten Go.” Grabowsky recounts facing one onslaught of over 300 kamikazes attacking T58 during the early stages of the invasion and sinking the USS Newcomb, while DeVenter details his role in preventing suicide attacks from directly striking the Arkansas. Additional stories from TF58 and the perspective of the battle from the sea can be read in the Diary of John A. Yeager aboard U.S.S. Essex, whose log detailed daily events during the battle.

Diary of John A. Yeager aboard U.S.S. Essex, August 1943 to September 1945. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: John A. Yeager Papers (#677-053), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

For the men on the ground, the fighting was no less intense. While the East Carolina Manuscript Collection does not include much from the perspective of the Marines or Army enlisted who fought on the island, DeVenter’s account includes an anecdote that captures the difficulty of fighting on the rain-soaked, cave-dotted, rocky island under heavy fire from the entrenched Japanese soldiers. In an attempt to support forward progress on the island, DeVenter was sent with a detachment of Marines to radio-in positions, offering air support for those trying to take the Shuri lines. DeVenter details the difficulty finding cover under the barrage of Japanese bullets and the danger of getting to cover even when present: “I never got there. I never made it. So many bullets, you know, you end up down on the ground and boy, you start digging.”

After 3 months of heavy fighting, U.S. troops would eventually wrest control of Okinawa from the Japanese. Having secured their staging base for the planned invasion of Japan, preparation for the final phase of the Pacific War began. For their efforts, the heroism and sacrifice of the enlisted men at Okinawa were recognized. Both Grabowsky and DeVenter distinguished themselves with Grabowsky being awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism rescuing survivors of the sinking Newcomb and DeVenter being awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during kamikaze attacks on the Arkansas. Additionally, entire units and ships were cited, including the USS Wadsworth, who received a Presidential Citation for the efforts of its crew and officers protecting TF58 from kamikaze attacks.

Presidential Unit Citation to the USS Wadsworth. George M. Hagerman Papers (#575), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Additional stories from the Battle of Okinawa can be found by searching our Collection Guides or through our Library Catalog.

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd posts. The following post was contributed by Patrick Cash. 

Warning: The following content features accounts of war and human suffering. Content may be upsetting to some.

American Prisoners of War

During World War II, a conflict from 1939 to 1945, it is estimated that approximately 120,000 to 130,000 American servicemen were held as prisoners of war by the Axis powers. According to the National Park Service, 94,000 Americans were imprisoned on the European front while the Japanese captured an additional 30,000 troops and civilian workers in the Pacific Theater. The experiences of American POWs during World War II are a testament to human resilience and the will to survive despite overwhelming odds.  

The Journey to Captivity

American involvement in World War II began in earnest after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. As American forces were deployed across Europe and the Pacific, the chances of capture by enemy forces became a harsh reality.  

In Europe, many American soldiers were captured during major campaigns, such as the Battle of the Bulge and the North African Campaign, or were captured after their aircraft were shot down during combat or reconnaissance missions. Meanwhile, in the Pacific, the fall of Bataan and Corregidor in the Philippines led to the capture of thousands of American soldiers by Japanese forces with some 40 percent dying in captivity.   

Vernon G. LaHeist 

Vernon G. LaHeist was one of many American soldiers who were captured and imprisoned by the Japanese military. Having initially enlisted in the United States Navy in 1933, LaHeist re-enlisted in 1939 following a brief stint working for the Works Progress Administration. After being assigned to duty aboard the USS Finch, LaHeist participated in the defense of Corregidor, a strategically important island located in Manila Bay in the southwestern region of Luzon in the Philippines. On May 6, 1942, the Japanese military overwhelmed the combined forces of the United States and the Commonwealth of the Philippines en route to capturing the island stronghold and taking thousands of soldiers prisoner, including LaHeist. In a memoir entitled Three Years, Three Months, and Nine Days, LaHeist recalls his time as a prisoner of war in camps in both the Philippines and Manchuria. 

Conditions in POW Camps

Vernon LaHeist’s memoir describes the prison camp and conditions that American POWs were forced to live in. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Vernon G. LaHeist Papers (#677-026), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The treatment and conditions experienced by American POWs varied significantly depending on their captors. In Europe, German POW camps, known as Stalags for enlisted men and Oflags for officers, conditions were brutal but still regulated by the Geneva Convention. Prisoners faced overcrowding, inadequate food, and forced labor, but they were not subjected to systematic torture or execution.  

Conversely, the conditions in Japanese POW camps were notoriously brutal. The Japanese military did not adhere to the Geneva Convention, and POWs were subjected to inhumane treatment, including severe physical abuse, starvation, and forced labor. One of the most infamous events was the Bataan Death March, where thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were forced to march over 60 miles under extreme conditions, leading to the death of thousands.  

In his memoir, LaHeist goes into detail explaining the conditions of the camps and the brutality that the men imprisoned in them suffered. LaHeist describes how he and his fellow prisoners suffered through the lack of needed nutrition and food and were forced to live and work in extremely unsanitary conditions, all resulting in the rapid spread of disease that led to a high death rate among imprisoned soldiers. While difficult to read at times, LaHeist’s account of camp conditions offers an invaluable glimpse into the horrors that POWs were forced to endure. 

Resilience and Resistance

Despite the dire circumstances, American POWs exhibited remarkable resilience. In German camps, prisoners formed clandestine organizations to boost morale, distribute contraband like news and letters, and plan escapes. The “Great Escape” from Stalag Luft III, where 76 Allied airmen tunneled out of the camp, stands as a legendary act of defiance and bravery.  

In the Pacific, survival often depended on solidarity and resourcefulness. POWs shared scarce resources, devised ways to communicate secretly, and maintained hope through camaraderie. Some POWs even participated in covert resistance activities, sabotaging Japanese operations whenever possible.  

Vernon LaHeist’s memoir recalls the attempted escape of four Americans from the prison and their eventual recapture and execution by the Japanese. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Vernon G. LaHeist Papers (#677-026), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Throughout his memoir, LaHeist’s writing tells the story of American soldiers who, despite their imprisonment, still attempted to hold on to hope and resilience for their survival as well as Allied victory in the war. One particularly striking moment from LaHeist’s writings is his recalling of a failed escape attempt of four prisoners who the Japanese unfortunately recaptured. As punishment for their attempt, the four men were tortured and eventually executed by the camp guards. Following this, prisoners were grouped into groups of ten and told that if any member of their group attempted to escape, all ten men would be executed. 

Despite these atrocities carried out by the Japanese camp guards, imprisoned soldiers still attempted to keep their spirits up through a variety of different means. LaHeist talks about how several prisoners would lead religious services, some smuggled materials to create rough musical instruments, and many others played games and gambled despite the men having nothing to spare.   

Vernon LaHeist’s memoir details how despite their dire situation, imprisoner American servicemen still took it upon themselves to sabotage Japanese military efforts, despite the danger this brought. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Vernon G. LaHeist Papers (#677-026), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The most interesting part of LaHeist’s writings is when he discusses how he and other prisoners assigned to work in factory machinery took it upon themselves to sabotage the tools and parts being made to continue helping the war effort. The way that imprisoned soldiers attempted to support their fellow soldiers on the frontlines by purposely sabotaging enemy supplies at the risk of their own lives is inspiring. 

Liberation and Aftermath

The end of World War II in 1945 brought liberation for many American POWs. In Europe, advancing Allied forces liberated German camps. In the Pacific, the surrender of Japan led to the release of thousands of POWs. The joy of freedom, however, was tempered by the physical and psychological scars left by their experiences.  

LaHeist and his fellow imprisoned soldiers were liberated by Russian forces following the surrender of the Japanese in the summer of 1945. Following the end of the war, LaHeist explains how the prison camp was supplied by American forces dropping food, clothing, and other needed supplies to the soldiers as they awaited the arrival of the Russian military. LaHeist finally left the camp for good in September 1945 and details his journey back home, reaching American soil in October 1945 after being away for over six years.   

Legacy and Remembrance

The story of American POWs in World War II is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and the human capacity for endurance in the face of unimaginable hardship. Their experiences have been documented in numerous memoirs, films, and scholarly works, ensuring that their stories continue to be remembered and honored.  

Institutions like the National WWII Museum and the American Ex-Prisoners of War organization play crucial roles in preserving the legacy of POWs. Memorials and commemorative events also serve as poignant reminders of their courage and the cost of war.  

In remembering American POWs of World War II, we honor their suffering, their strength, and their unyielding spirit. Their stories are not just a part of military history but a testament to the enduring human will to survive and overcome adversity. 

Visit the Ship’s Log, as well as Joyner Library’s social media channels, to learn more about materials related to World War II that are a part of the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection’s holdings. Joyner Library Special Collections will be displaying an exhibit of items and individual stories related to World War II during the summer and fall of 2025.

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See the first post here. The following post was contributed by John Dunning.

Lester C. Haas and Operation Husky

Lester C. Haas. Image from the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Lester C. Haas Papers (#677.080), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Beginning July 9, 1943, the Allied forces invaded the island of Sicily off the southern coast of Italy. A little over five weeks later, they would wrest the rocky island from the Italian and German forces, making Sicily the first piece of the Axis homeland to fall to the Allies. Nicknamed Operation Husky, the struggle would lead to the ousting of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and, later, sow the seeds for the eventual downfall of Adolf Hitler’s “Fortress Europe.”

Digest of Photo-Intelligence Preparatory to and During the Operation of “Husky” 10 July 1943. Item from the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Lester C. Haas Papers (#677.080), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

As a participant in the operation, United States Naval Photo Interpretation and Intelligence Officer Lester C. Haas served as Commander of Task Force 85 and 6th Amphibious Force on the U.S.S. Ancon for the Invasion of Sicily. Haas’ work interpreting photographs from reconnaissance flights helped with the operation planning. This included where men and equipment should land, the position of enemy guns, minefields, rifle pits, or munition dumps, roadblocks to avoid, and other obstacles to success.

In addition to studying photographs and planning for the attack, Haas took an active role in helping the primarily American, British, and Canadian troops secure Sicily for the Allies. A communication by Haas to his superiors details his work interrogating a German prisoner during the operation and the intelligence secured from the effort.

Interrogation of German Prisoner of War, Item from the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Lester C. Haas Papers (#677.080), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

On August 17, the remaining Axis forces evacuated the island and Sicily fell under the control of the combined Allied forces. For his role in taking Sicily, Haas was awarded Special Commendation by Admiral G. Kirk of the United States Navy.

Special Commendation, Item from the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Lester C. Haas Papers (#677.080), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The success of Operation Husky helped pave the way for the Allies to gain a foothold in Europe. In September 1943, the Allies would seize control of most of Italy, and the lessons learned in Sicily and the broader Italian Campaign would prepare them for the invasion of Normandy, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Visit the Ship’s Log as well as Joyner Library’s social media channels to learn more about materials related to World War II that are a part of the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection’s holdings. Joyner Library Special Collections will be displaying an exhibit of items and individual stories related to World War II during the summer and fall of 2025.

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Library Special Collections at East Carolina University will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. The following post was contributed by Patrick Cash.

D-Day: June 6, 1944

On June 6, 1944, over 3 million Allied troops from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and several other nations executed a daring assault against heavily fortified German positions along the Normandy coast. The Normandy invasion, codenamed Operation Overlord, was the culmination of meticulous planning, coordination, and bravery on an unprecedented scale. The beaches of Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword became the site of the largest amphibious invasion in history, marking the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, it’s crucial to reflect on the profound impact and lasting legacy of this pivotal moment in history.

The success of D-Day was not guaranteed. The Allied troops faced formidable challenges, including fierce resistance from German forces, treacherous terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions. Yet, through unwavering determination and sheer grit, they managed to establish a foothold on the  French coastline. The sacrifices made on that fateful day were immeasurable, with thousands of brave soldiers paying the ultimate price for freedom.

The invasion began early on the morning of June 6, 1944, with paratroopers being dropped behind enemy lines. Later that morning, troops began landing on the beaches of Normandy. The beaches were heavily fortified by the Germans, and the Allied soldiers faced fierce resistance. However, they were eventually able to secure a foothold on French soil.

The battle for Normandy was long and bloody. It took two months for the Allies to break out of the beachhead and begin their advance towards Germany. However, the success of D-Day marked a turning point in the war. The Germans were now fighting on two fronts, as the Soviet Union was also advancing from the east.

The Evening Star

The front-page of the June 6, 1944 The Evening Star newspaper announcing the landing of Allied forces on the beaches of Normandy, France. Item from U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Miscellaneous Papers (#677.058), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The uncertainty and chaos of D-Day are perfectly captured in the front-page headline of the June 6, 1994 issue of The Evening Star. Found in the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Miscellaneous Papers (Manuscript Collection #0677-058), this newspaper would have been just one of many that people read to learn about the Normandy Invasion. While papers such as The Evening Star reported on Operation Overlord at the time, it was still too early to know whether the invasion would end up being successful. This is perhaps best represented by a front-page article where British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is quoted as saying that the operation was going “according to plan.” But as the reporter pointed out, the battle was just beginning.

Another noteworthy headline from this issue includes how American President Franklin D. Roosevelt composed a prayer for those involved in the invasion and that he would be reciting it at 10:00 pm that evening during one of his famed “Fireside Chats.” Included are also stories about the Nazi’s fortification and defense of the French coastline, the morale of the American troops as they departed to cross the English Channel, and an interesting short bulletin that announced the planned invasion had been delayed 24 hours due to unfavorable weather.

Newspapers such as The Evening Star and other media outlets of the time were crucial as they not only informed citizens around the world on the war’s progress but also kept those not serving on the front lines connected to the fight and their loved ones abroad.

The Impact and Legacy of Operation Overlord

The impact of the Normandy invasion reverberated far beyond the beaches of France. It dealt a severe blow to Nazi Germany’s grip on Western Europe, paving the way for the liberation of occupied territories and the eventual defeat of the Axis powers. D-Day marked a turning point in the war, shifting the momentum in favor of the Allies and hastening the downfall of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany.

Moreover, the Normandy invasion embodied the spirit of international cooperation and unity in the face of adversity. It showcased the power of collective action and solidarity among nations with a shared commitment to justice and liberty. The Allied forces, representing diverse cultures and backgrounds, stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against tyranny, demonstrating the strength of unity in the pursuit of a common goal. The legacy of D-Day endures as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. It serves as a reminder of the profound human cost of war and the importance of upholding the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights.

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, let us honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. May we never forget the valor and bravery displayed on the shores of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Visit the Ship’s Log as well as Joyner Library social media channels to learn more about materials related to World War II that are a part of the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection’s holdings. Joyner Library Special Collections will be displaying an exhibit of items and individual stories related to World War II during the summer and fall of 2025.

North Carolina State University Public History MA student, Alana Gomez, blogs about her experience curating a new exhibit at the Special Collections Research Center at D.H. Hill Jr. Library. (Note: This blog was first published by the NC State Department of History.)

I remember the fear that sunk in when I was told I would curate the Special Collections Research Center’s (SCRC) newest exhibit, College of Design: 75 Years of Designing Tomorrow. After my first excitement over the opportunity, I quickly realized I didn’t know anything about architecture. There is more to the College of Design than just buildings, construction, and planning, however. 

During the Fall of 2023 and Spring of 2024, I became immersed in the people, narratives, and legacies of departments like graphic design, urban planning, product design, and landscape architecture. While popular names like Eduardo Catalano and Matthew Nowicki appeared frequently in the archives, I was also drawn to the stories of students and faculty like Jean MacKensie Jenkins and Ronald Mace who challenged traditional design principles and practices. Sharing their stories and highlighting the creativity and passion of students over 75 years was integral to capturing the spirit of the College of Design.

Before sharing more on my experience with this exhibit, however, I want to take a second to recognize the people who have worked alongside me and the opportunity that allowed me to be here today. 

Firstly, it is important to note that I was awarded this Graduate Student Support Plan position, or GSSP, through the Libraries. For those who don’t know, the GSSP/GEA position waived my tuition and provided a stipend while also allowing me to gain real-world experience in my field. Not only was I afforded the opportunity to curate and install an exhibit, but I was also given the tangible experience of working in a setting like Special Collections, which has prepared me tremendously for the professional world. Secondly, I would like to thank the public history department and my mentors there for teaching me the necessary skills and experience to succeed in this position. 

Finally, it is important that I shout out those who helped this exhibit come to life. I would like to thank the library preservation team, design team, and all of the Special Collections staff who have rooted me on at every turn in this process. Specifically I’d like to thank Associate Head and Chief Curator of Special Collections and Affiliate Graduate Faculty Member Dr. Gwynn Thayer and University Archivist Todd Kosmerick for their guidance and supervision. Dr. Thayer was recently featured in an article titled Topics in History and Memory: The Pinehurst/Taylortown Project. 

Additionally, I’d like to recognize the work of my two fellow graduate students, Kelly Arnold, who recently graduated from the public history master’s program, and Shima Hosseininasab, soon to graduate from the public history PhD program, for their help with research, advising, and graphics. 

Now, I’d like to start my discussion of this exhibit and its curation with a note about the title. As I went through the archives and my colleagues’ notes, there were a few themes that came up repeatedly, and I think many of them are present throughout the exhibit. What stuck out to me was a passion for the design process and a rejection of preconceptions associated with the past. Students were encouraged by faculty to push the boundaries of design, to experiment, and to produce the best design possible. 

Another constant were the students, who consistently brought a spirit of constant curiosity and dedication to their craft. Because so much of the College of Design’s research and analysis fell into these recurring ideas, we decided on a thematic rather than chronologic curation style. Many of the cases in the exhibit include nods to this dedication to the best design, straying from tradition, and the student spirit that was present in every decade of the College.  

With all these themes in mind, my team and I felt there was also an element to the College of Design that was very forward-thinking. Even contemporary designs by faculty and students had long-term impacts that we still talk about today. The College of Design operated in the world of “tomorrow,” and it was that kind of thinking that has created such an important legacy. 

If I had to sum up this exhibit in one sentence it would be “Since its early days in the old World War II barracks on campus, the College of Design has remained a space that, throughout time, allowed for constant curiosity, freedom of expression and experimentation, and the pushing of boundaries.” But I also hope people take a moment to read about those stories, designs, and people not always included in what we historians like to call the “traditional” narrative. It was in discovering these moments in history and finding these more “hidden” histories in the archives that I enjoyed the most.

I’d also like to direct attention to some blog posts I wrote that are located on the SCRC website. These blogs are also present in the exhibit as QR codes. 

College of Design History — The Construction of Archives

College of Design History — A tour of the COD around campus

College of Design History — The Early Artists

College of Design History– 75 Years of Design Curriculum

College of Design History– Challenging the Norm Through Design 

College of Design History- George Matsumoto

Congratulations to the 2024 Thornton W. Mitchell Service Award recipient!

SNCA’s Development Committee is honored to announce Martha Elmore as the recipient of the Thornton W. Mitchell Service Award!

Martha has served in Special Collections at East Carolina University’s Joyner Library for over 40 years. She began her service in 1976 as a student worker. Martha currently serves as the Manuscript Archivist for the East Carolina Manuscript Collection, where she has played a vital role in preserving the history of eastern North Carolina through fostering relationships with donors and through personally donating and curating several collections and items. Martha’s nominator also notes that she has “consistently served the archival profession…as a mentor, colleague, and friend for many archivists and cultural heritage workers throughout her time at ECU.”

Martha will be recognized at the conference in April.

The Thornton W. Mitchell Service Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service to the archival profession in the state of North Carolina.  Nominations for next year’s award will be accepted next spring. Watch the SNCA blog and listserv for announcements.

Congratulations to the 2024 Michelle Francis Scholarship recipient!

SNCA’s Development Committee is pleased to announce that Laura Silva is a recipient of one of this year’s Michelle Francis Scholarships.

Laura is the Archives Services Librarian at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. She is a certified archivist with over six years of experience in academic libraries, five of which have been in archive services as a long arranger. Laura is excited to attend this year’s conference to network with other SNCA members!

Laura will receive a certificate at the conference.

The Michelle Francis Scholarship is awarded to provide SNCA members access to professional development opportunities through attendance at the annual SNCA conference. Generally, two awards of $250 are presented each year. Applications for next year’s awards will be accepted next spring. Watch the SNCA blog and listserv for announcements.

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The following candidates will be on SNCA members' ballots this spring.

President: Josh Hager, Government Records Description Unit Head, State Archives of North Carolina   

I have had the privilege to serve as a SNCA Member at Large, Education Chair, and (currently) as the Vice President and Programming Chair. In total, I have seven years of experience serving on the SNCA Executive Board. In my capacity as Education Chair, I helped facilitate virtual workshops during the height of the pandemic and I oversaw the redesign of the Williams Award, which went into implementation with this year's call for nominations. As Vice President, I am working on planning the 2024 Annual Meeting as our 40th Anniversary commemoration. I have also assisted with strategic planning for SNCA with the other current board members.   

My hope is to continue the progress made by the current board in strategic planning and reach an implementation of some key goals. Specifically, I hope to oversee a major discussion of how SNCA can best serve students and those seeking employment in the field. I also want to facilitate SNCA's role in encouraging professional development and networking, both in person and in virtual settings. Finally, I want to continue exploring ways that SNCA can assist the professional work for archivists in North Carolina as smaller institutions through facilitating targeted collaborations and exploring the potential for microgrants. Thank you for your consideration. Can't wait to see you all in Raleigh on April 18! 

Vice President/Program Chair: Patrick Cash, East Carolina University   

I have been an active member of SNCA for the past ten years and have seen firsthand the benefit the organization offers for archivists and cultural heritage workers across our state. During my time in SNCA, I have served on the Education Committee, assisted in planning the 2023 and 2024 annual conferences as part of the Programming Committee, and am currently serving on the SNCA Executive Board as Membership Chair. As Membership Chair, I have worked to streamline the approval/renewal process for new members while also improving on membership communication via the membership management system. I have also been a part of conversations with organizational leadership in looking at ways we can improve our membership experience and the benefits that membership to SNCA provides to individuals. assisted with strategic planning for SNCA with the other current board members. 

If elected, it is my goal to continue building off the work of the current SNCA Executive Board by focusing on ensuring that SNCA is best suited to serve its members by providing professional development, networking opportunities, and a sense of professional community-building year-round.  As we continue to navigate the post-pandemic world, we need to ensure that SNCA continues to be a professional organization where individuals can see that there are benefits to joining and remaining active members. 

Treasurer (2 year positions): Harry L. Cooke, Gaston College   

Over the years I have served as treasurer to a variety of organizations, including Conover Lutheran Church, the state Humane Society, Friends of the Library, L and H Properties, and SNCA.  The goal is to invest funds above budget needs to create additional income for the organization. 

Publications Chair (2 year positions): Rebecca Williams, Duke University Medical Center Library & Archives   

I am the Archives Librarian for Research, Outreach, & Education at the Duke University Medical Center Library & Archives where I support research and teaching by providing access to collections and encouraging their use by the Duke Health community and the public. I have been there since 2016 after graduating with a MSLS from UNC-Chapel Hill. I have most recently served as an Officer at Large for Librarians, Archivists, and Museum Professionals in the History of the Health Sciences (LAMPHHS) and have really enjoyed connecting with other archivists through a professional organization. As a lifelong North Carolina resident, I have greatly benefited from the wisdom and guidance from North Carolina archivists. I appreciate the opportunity to become more active in SNCA. 

Member-At-Large, SAA Regional Archival Associations Consortium (RAAC) Representative (2 year) position: Adreonna Bennett, UNC Charlotte  

I hold the position of Community Engagement Archivist at UNC Charlotte. I have a BA in Communication Studies from UNC Chapel Hill and a Master's in Library Science from the illustrious North Carolina Central University. In my role, at UNC Charlotte, I oversee outreach and engagement initiatives for the special collections unit within J. Murrey Atkins. I’ve collaborated with faculty, staff, and students at the university on events and projects centered around Charlotte’s history and also worked with folks at other repositories across the city. I am interested in the position of SAA RAAC Representative Member at Large position because I would like to not only be more involved with SNCA but also liaise with archivists and memory workers in other regions. Furthermore, I believe that North Carolina is unique in its institutions and collections. I would love the opportunity to not only share the amazing work going on across our state but also bring back information that would be beneficial to our work. I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to contribute to the success of our consortium and to help shape a vibrant future for our region. 

Member-At-Large, New Professional/Student Member (2 year position): Davia Webb, UNC-Chapel Hill   

I am a second-year graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pursuing a Master’s in Library and Information Science with a concentration in Archives and Records Management. My interest in this position comes from my strong belief that community is a critical component for the improvement and progression of the information professional field. Serving the Society of North Carolina Archivists as a liaison to library schools in my home state of North Carolina will prove to be a great opportunity to collaborate, gain new perspectives, and celebrate the evolving diversity of our practice. I hope to promote vibrant and productive communication for everyone who shares goals and interests in archival materials and resources. The archival community is overflowing with knowledge and mindfulness of how our actions impact archives and their use. Because of this, it is important to share and learn from each other, and I want to be a contributor towards that goal. 

SNCA’s Education Committee is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s student awards.

Griffin Anderson, a student enrolled in East Carolina University’s Master of Library Science program, is one of two recipients of this year’s C. David Jackson Memorial Student Scholarship.

Anderson works as branch manager at Moss Memorial Library where he has been building an archives of local and regional history, the Mary Fonda Heritage Center.

Kensington Laube, a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Information and Library Science, is also a recipient of this year’s C. David Jackson Memorial Student Scholarship

Laube currently works as a graduate assistant for the Southern Folklife Collection at the Wilson Library and has previously served as a library and archives intern for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and as a special collections student employee at the Randall Library.

The C. David Jackson Memorial Student Scholarship awards $500 to support attendance at SNCA’s upcoming annual conference and can be used for pre-conference workshops and other professional development opportunities. This award also provides a one year membership in SNCA.

Emma Dingle, a student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s School of Information and Library Science, is the recipient of the Gene J. Williams Student Paper Award. Dingle’s paper, “A Snapshot of Literary Manuscript Collecting in the United States and Britain,” which was written as coursework for the Rare Books and Manuscripts course, will be published in the next issue of Journal of the Society of North Carolina Archivists.

Dingle’s paper describes the acquisition of British and Irish manuscripts from the nineteenth century to the early twenty-first century through two case studies of the special collections libraries of Marquette University and Emory University.

The Gene J. Williams Award also provides $250, free attendance to this year’s SNCA conference, and a one-year membership to SNCA.

Congratulations to all three students!

Applications for next year’s awards will be accepted next winter. Please watch the SNCA blog and listserv for announcements.

Contributed by Andy Poore, Mooresville Public Library

Early this fall Mooresville Public Library’s Local History & Archives (LHA) received a donation that is representative of the LHA’s collection goals and priorities in the documentation of notable citizens of Mooresville. The collection, comprised of photographs and documents, was given in memory of Dorothy Brown, who was known throughout her life as “Long Sam” and had attained fame for her likeness to the cartoon character of the same name.  Through collections such as this, the archives endeavors to develop an intellectual and comprehensive understanding of the lives of citizens from Mooresville who achieved fame both within the town and the beyond the community.

Dorothy Mae Brown was born in 1940, one of ten children, to a rural family in Wilkes County.  At the age of three her family moved to Iredell County and the Mooresville community.  Raised in a small house along the banks of the Catawba River, Dorothy dropped out of school in the 7^th grade to help her mother with her younger siblings and to help provide for the family by babysitting for others. 

In 1954 Al Capp and Bob Lubbers, best known for their creation of “Li’l Abner” launched their newest comic strip “Long Sam” about a young woman who lived in a small mountain community. The strip dealt with her growing up and venturing into the “outside” world from her mountain community. The strip was a hit and was quickly syndicated in all major newspapers in the U.S.  In 1956 Tom McKnight, owner and publisher of the Mooresville Tribune, and photographer Fletcher Davis were out along the Catawba River working on a story about a local moonshine operation when Dorothy Brown stepped from the woods and “Long Sam” became one of Mooresville’s famous citizens.

 

Amazed at how much she looked like the cartoon figure, Mr. McKnight wrote a story titled The Girl in Black which caught the attention of Kays Gary, a columnist for The Charlotte Observer.  The story was soon picked up and quickly appeared in all the papers, which caught the attention of Life magazine, who sent someone to photograph Ms. Brown. The story and the photographs caught the attention of one of the members of the Ed Sullivan Show, and soon an invitation was sent to her to appear on the show. This young woman from a small town in North Carolina was soon standing on the stage of one of the nation’s most famous television shows, and that story was picked up by Newsweek magazine. She was then asked to appear on the Steve Allen Show and to appear on Broadway in a live version of L’il Abner.  She turned them down.  

 

After her trip and brief stay in New York, she returned home where friends of Mr. McKnight, Ross and Virigina Puette, paid for Dorothy to finish her high school degree at Wingate Junior College.  After Wingate, she attended The Women’s College of the University of North Carolina (now UNC-Greensboro) where she graduated with her B.A. and teaching certification. She returned to Mooresville and eventually moved to Charlotte where she taught at Idlewild Elementary until she retired.  She passed away March 5, 2023.

For Dorothy, never having traveled much outside of Iredell County, the experience of becoming a celebrity was a whirlwind introduction to the world outside her community. She was exposed to life outside a small Southern town and was presented with opportunities that, under normal circumstances, would not have been available to her. Although she chose not to remain in the limelight, she was able to realize her dream of becoming a teacher and helping others through education.