July 13, 2011
NORMAL, Ill. -
Throughout the month of June, the Illinois State Athletics Communications office, in conjunction with the University Archives division has transferred close to 700 items to be administered, preserved and made available to researchers at the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives on Warehouse Road in Normal, Ill.
The items donated averaged 35-40 years of age, and include over 500 canisters of 16 mm film featuring Redbird football and men's basketball games.
"Since April Anderson, University Archives, has arrived on the Illinois State campus, I have been impressed with her willingness to work with athletics and her mission to preserve the history of our institution," ISU Associate Athletics Director for Athletics Communications Todd Kober said. "The time was right to properly preserve these items, so they may be utilized for generations to come."
In addition to the large donation, the athletics communications staff, along with the staff from Redbird Productions, joined forces to do a complete inventory of the entire athletic video available at the University Archives.
"I am so happy that the Athletics Department transferred such an important and significant part of ISU history to the University Archives," university archivist Anderson said. "These films, photos and other sports memorabilia will give our alumni the chance to revisit their history. In addition, it will show future Redbirds the determination and spirit of the ISU Athletics community. A big thanks to the Athletics Department for helping the University Archives preserve this invaluable collection."
The Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives at Illinois State University is the official repository for all aspects of life at the University. The University Archives, in particular, works to collect and preserve the University's history in order to support Milner Library and the University community's research and teaching goals.
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