On March 29, KSU’s Bentley Rare Books Gallery opened its doors from 2:30-5:30 p.m. to invite students, faculty and staff to experience the treasures hidden within the gallery.
The event invited attendees to sign in, don white gloves and peruse the various stations where the gallery staff was explaining some of the most rare and most interesting gems from the collection.
With around 20,000 books, newspapers and manuscripts to display, no one can experience every work the gallery has to offer. The staff hopes students will walk away from this opportunity with a more in-depth historical view on literature free of charge.
“The open house allows the staff to showcase the diversity of our materials and the possibilities for further research by students and faculty,” said Heather Oswald, archive specialist.
There were stations where a different staff member discussed selections from the vault. Rita Impey-Imes, senior curator, told the story of the most rare and most valuable pieces in KSU’s rare books gallery and invited people to come view the embalmed head of Oliver Cromwell for two shillings and six pence.
Robyn Gage, a student assistant, discussed many pieces of literature, including one of the few Bibles that made a trip to the moon.
“It’s interesting to see and learn the history,” said sophomore student Ashley Witrick, who was a first time visitor to the gallery.
There’s certainly plenty of history to go around. From cuneiform tablets to the first women’s magazine to secure a copyright (Godey’s Lady Book), there is a plethora of interesting literature to explore.
“I’m impressed,” said freshman Devon Cole. “I didn’t think KSU would have something like this. It was worth it to come see it.”
“Rare book collections offer a tangible connection to the past,” Oswald said. “By handling these materials, students can better appreciate the beliefs, ideals, and knowledge of people throughout time.”
The Bentley Rare Books Gallery, located on the ground floor of the Horace W. Sturgis Library, was a joint project between former KSU President Betty Siegel, book collector Fred Bentley and curator Robert Williams.
It is designed to be as authentic as possible, going so far as felling real trees and making real early-American varnish from an old recipe. The gallery opened in 1988 as the third museum-grade rare book collection in Georgia, the other two being located at UGA and Emory.
Any student, regardless of grade level, major or degree has a chance to get their hands on these fascinating documents. Students can set up appointments to view (but not check out) the books by visiting kennesaw.edu/archive and calling or e-mailing.
