The Archives of Appalachia recently took the initiative to celebrate Women’s History Month with a collection of historic works, including the Jessie Ackermann Papers. These papers included correspondences and newspaper clippings.
Jeremy Smith, director of the Archives of Appalachia, shared information about the Archives of Appalachia, Jessie Ackermann Papers, and how the Archives of Appalachia plan to support and celebrate other groups.
Photo of Jessie Ackermann. (Contributed/archivesofappalachia.omeka.net)
“The Archives of Appalachia is a research archive focused on collecting rare or unique materials that document the histories and cultures of southern Appalachia. We steward nearly two miles of rare manuscripts, 300,000 photographs, 100,000 audio and moving image recordings, and 15,000 books, with materials dating from the 18th century to the present. Nearly 2,000 patrons visit the Archives in person each year, and 65,000 more from over 50 countries engage with our holdings online,” Smith explained.
Assistant Archivist Sandy Laws worked with colleagues in the Reece Museum to curate and exhibit in the Archive’s reading room of photos and artifacts that Ackermann compiled during her travels. The Archives also started to provide free online access to the complete papers, which document many things, including her travels, interest in social and industrial issues, and work in the suffrage movement.
Jessie Ackermann was a strong feminist, social reformer, writer, and traveler. She advocated many things for women, including equal rights politically, legally and concerning property. Throughout her time she strongly influenced many people and many cultures.
The Archives plan to celebrate and support other groups by providing access to multiple newly-digitized collections and also thematic exhibits in their reading room.
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