Campus News

Garrett College obtains special collections grant

Mountain MD Gateway to the West Heritage Area provides funding

Photo by: John Rudd

Learning Commons Director Ashley Ruby, right, and Head Librarian Stephanie Miller display books available through Garrett College's Garrett County & Appalachia special collection.

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area has awarded Garrett College a $1,500 mini-grant to continue expansion of the special collections housed in the GC Library & Learning Commons.

The Library & Learning Commons features four special collections: Coal Talk Oral History, Indigenous Peoples of Garrett County, Garrett County & Appalachia, and Embracing Diversity. The College is matching Mountain Maryland's mini-grant as part of the grant agreement.

"These collections provide ongoing educational and cultural enrichment to Garrett College, the local community, and area visitors, and are frequented by academic researchers from institutions such as Frostburg State University and the University of Maryland," said Learning Commons & Academic Success Director Ashley Ruby. "To date, we have purchased 119 books, with plans to acquire approximately 40 additional books to further develop the special collections."

"We're very grateful to Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area and the Maryland Heritage Area Authority for awarding the College this mini-grant," said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president. "These collections cover four interesting and relevant topics for the region."

The Coal Talk Oral History Project includes stories and memories from Western Maryland coal communities. The 1989-93 project was directed by Dr. Gail Herman – wife of then-Garrett College President Dr. Stephen Herman – and assisted by Reverend John Grant, a Garrett County historian and former mine surveyor. The College's Learning Commons houses the collection of physical transcripts, audio, images, books, and artifacts.

The Indigenous Peoples collection includes images, books, and monographs on the local Shawnee Indians and other tribes that traveled through the county. The Garrett County & Appalachia collection features books, archives, periodicals, historical maps, and personal narratives connected to the rich heritage of Garrett County and the broader Appalachia region.

Embracing Diversity is the newest collection and was created in response to needs expressed in community listening sessions. Ruby said books and materials in this collection are intended to reinforce a commitment to ensure all patrons feel valued and supported.

"Special library collections can play a significant role in supporting heritage tourism by preserving, showcasing, and promoting local cultural and historical resources," Ruby noted. "This generous support helps preserve and expand these vital resources, ensuring that the rich history, diverse voices, and cultural heritage of Garrett County and the surrounding Appalachian region remain accessible for generations to come."

The Garrett College Learning Commons is open to the general public. Hours, contact information, news, library catalog, and special collection digital materials can be accessed at https://garrettcollege.libguides.com/gclibrary/home. For additional information, please contact Stephanie Miller at stephanie.miller@garrettcollege.edu.