History Center

History Center

The History Center was established in 1981 with the opening of the Weaver-Densford building.   The purpose of the History Center is to house a representative collection of books, uniforms photographs, papers, media and artifacts of historical significance.   The History Center has an inventory of all materials being preserved whether in the Center, or in Anderson Library Archives, or in the Densford Center.   In addition, the Center will provide the space for students, faculty, alumni and visitors to read the books and view original photographs as well as access the entire collection of electronically-stored materials.

The collection represents the history and historical changes of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.   These items are arranged, documented and identified by topic, time sequence, and individuals involved.   Items will be made accessible by contacting the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. 

Mission Statement

The History Center is managed and maintained by the Nursing Alumni Society Heritage Committee.   The mission of the committee is to collect and preserve books, uniforms, photographs, media and artifacts representative of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, to provide an overview and location of all archival education, research and services of the School, to display materials at appropriate functions and to work collaboratively with the School in promoting visibility of its heritage.

Heritage Room Acquisition Policy

Methods of Collection

Through various sources, visual historical items, books, photographs, papers (scrapbooks, news articles, etc.) media (slides, tapes, videos, films), awards, uniforms and other artifacts are donated to the History Center collection or directly to the University of Minnesota archives.   Written historical documents, Deans's papers, faculty papers, project reports, records of programs, bulletins, research papers and other materials significant to the history of the school are sent directly to the Anderson Library University Archives.   Because of space limitations of the History Center and preservation procedures, other visual historical items should be sent directly to the Archives.  

Partner with University resources

The Heritage Committee will consult and work with Anderson Library Archives, the Densford Center and the Wangensteen Library (rare book collections), regarding the collection and location of the School of Nursing historical information.   The History Center maintains a master list of nursing items in the Anderson Llibary Archives.   A master list of items maintained in the History Center will be sent to the Anderson Archives.

Screening

The Heritage Committee reserves the right to make decisions about the disposition of donations.   When possible, donors complete the Heritage Committee Acquisitions/ Donor form.

Criteria for Accepting Donations

The following are general criteria used by the committee for accepting donations.
 

1. Items related to the individual's experience with the School of Nursing.
2. Items published by the faculty, alumni, students and related to nursing.
3. Class pictures and other photographs depicting nursing school experience.
4. Hollowware that is related to the School of Nursing or nursing history.
5. Media that depicts or represents a particular era of nursing history.
6. Clinical equipment donations will be limited to items that meet the criteria, space and committee's approval.
7. A specific number of uniform attire from various eras will be kept.
8. Duplicated items may be accepted for evaluation of their condition and salability.

Other roles of the Heritage Committee.
 

1. Review collection to identify items needed to fill gaps as well as continue gathering historical items needed for the present.
2. Although donations are preferred, the committee may determine that an item will be purchased.
3. The committee may refer some donation items to other museums.
4. Review policies and procedures of the Heritage Committee every two/five years.
5. Update and change displays in the History Center.
6. Rent, loan, sell and dispose of items as appropriate under the guidelines