by Zach Miller
Quick Summary
In light of our own inter-office work regarding primary source packets spearheaded by Jennifer Hootman and Greta Bahnemann, I thought it fitting to share the many ways in which librarians seek to tie historical instances and materials with very present and timely conversations. After the Philando Castile shooting, the librarians at Gale Family Library at the Minnesota Historical Society put together the following press briefing and shared it on Facebook.
In light of our own inter-office work regarding primary source packets spearheaded by Jennifer Hootman and Greta Bahnemann, I thought it fitting to share the many ways in which librarians seek to tie historical instances and materials with very present and timely conversations. After the Philando Castile shooting, the librarians at Gale Family Library at the Minnesota Historical Society put together the following press briefing and shared it on Facebook:
"In light of recent events, the librarians at the Minnesota Historical Society seek to join the conversation by doing what we do best, compiling a brief guide to historical information in hopes of beginning new conversations, or encouraging and informing those ongoing.
Here on social media, the stories we exchange are often mere hours or minutes old or being shared quite literally as they are happening. To add to this dialogue, we invite you to step back for a moment. Ponder how the stories of yesterday have shaped those we are experiencing today. Consider how those stories have been told and by whom.
Included in this guide are first hand accounts, government records, and secondary sources from a variety of individuals and viewpoints. It is by no means comprehensive, but this list can be a starting point for discussion, discovery, and further learning.
If you’re inspired, we hope you’ll visit the library (either in-person or online) to access Minnesota history related materials. Visiting the library is free and librarians are always available to help."
[Image Credit: St. Paul Department of Human Rights Community Relations Council Report 1971.Minnesota Black History Project Materials. Municipal Agencies. Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, MN.]
