Digging Through The Archives

I am a pack rat. It's crazy the things I've saved. But, while looking for something tonight I found some of my old articles from back in high school that I don't even recall writing. My guess is that I wrote them for the school paper but don't even remember being published. So, as I keep searching for fun-yet-interesting filler, I figured I would throw an unedited piece up here). I hope you enjoy it; I know I got a laugh. There are a few other treasures, but I will save them for now. This was written back on September 26th, 1994:

As the new school year begins, so does a new hockey season - didn't one just end? The 1993-94 NHL hockey season ended gloriously with the New York Rangers ending their 54 year curse by winning the highest team honor in hockey - the Stanley Cup. For 54 years the Rangers futilely struggled to win the cup coming up short every time. During all that time, a world war has come and passed, man has went to the moon, and the New York Islanders ( who started over thirty years later than the Rangers 1940 cup win ) has won the cup 4 consecutive times. Now, for the first time in a very, very long time, we are wondering if the Broadway Blues can repeat.

With many of their players getting old or injured and their coach gone, chances do not look to good. Colin Campbell, the replacement for the traitorous Keenan - who went to St. Louis to try to win with a talented Blues team ( never thought you'd hear those two words together huh? ), is said to be a more players coach than Keenan. Campbell has never coached in the NHL before and now he gets a shot with the returning champs. On the island, the other New York team is looking to rebound from an embarrassing showing against the Rangers in the first round ( if anybody hasn't heard, the Isles were swept 4 games to none and were shutout twice by the Rangers ).

This year the Isles gave up their experienced netminder, Ron Hextall, in favor of Swedish goalie Tommy Soderstrom. With Soderstrom, the Isles have the goaltenders of both of the last two Swedish Olympic teams ( they drafted Tommy Salo, this years Olympic netminder, in the first round of the amateur draft ). It looks like the Isles have young defence, young goaltending, and a one line offence made up of Benoit Hogue, Pierre Turgeon, and Steve Thomas. The Isles look like they will have little chance this year to make the playoffs with the Philly Flyers and the Florida Panthers rebuilding and improving over the off-season.

As a Ranger fan myself, I sincerely hope that the Rangers repeat and the Isles fall flat on their collective faces. This year I can proudly walk around the school with my Rangers jersey and laugh in the faces of the Islander fans. Our school, although it may be located on Long Island seems to be predominately behind the Rangers, with all of the former Ranger fans and the Islander fans converting. Now there can be no more chants of 1940 and may the Rangers go on to win 3 more so the Islander fans have NOTHING to be proud of! 54 no more! Go Rangers!

Well, the Rangers didn't. We are still waiting for the follow up but there is always next year ... right?!?!

 Digging Through the Archives: Unearthing the Treasures of History

The allure of history lies in its stories, relics, and secrets that have shaped the world we know today. Every document, photograph, or artifact stored in archives carries with it the potential to reveal the past and enlighten the present. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the significance of archives, their role in preserving our collective memory, and how they facilitate research, education, and a deeper understanding of our past. Additionally, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to archives and historical research.

FAQ 1: What Are Archives?

Archives refer to collections of historical records, documents, photographs, manuscripts, and other materials that have been systematically preserved and organized for future reference and research. These materials can be housed in various institutions, including libraries, museums, universities, government agencies, and private organizations.

Archives can encompass a wide range of materials, such as:

Manuscripts: Handwritten documents, letters, diaries, and journals.

Photographs: Historical images capturing moments in time.

Official Records: Government documents, legal papers, and administrative records.

Oral Histories: Recorded interviews and testimonies from individuals with firsthand knowledge of historical events.

Maps: Historical maps, charts, and geographical records.

Audiovisual Materials: Films, audio recordings, and videos.

FAQ 2: Why Are Archives Important?

Archives serve several crucial purposes:

Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Archives safeguard our cultural heritage by preserving valuable documents and artifacts for future generations. They prevent the loss of historical materials due to decay, neglect, or destruction.

Research and Scholarship: Archives are a goldmine for researchers, historians, and scholars. They provide primary source materials that shed light on past events, people, and societies, allowing for in-depth research and analysis.

Accountability and Transparency: Archives house official records that ensure government accountability and transparency. They play a vital role in democracy by allowing citizens to access government documents and decisions.

Education: Archives are invaluable resources for educators and students. They bring history to life and offer opportunities for experiential learning.

Preservation of Memory: Archives help us remember our past, both the triumphs and the tragedies. They ensure that the stories of individuals and communities are not forgotten.

FAQ 3: How Are Archives Organized and Maintained?

Archives are meticulously organized and maintained to ensure their integrity and accessibility. The process includes:

Arrangement: Materials are arranged in a systematic order, often following a hierarchical structure. This may involve sorting by date, subject, creator, or format.

Description: Archivists create detailed catalog records and finding aids for each collection. These records help users locate specific items within the archives.

Preservation: Archivists employ preservation techniques to protect materials from deterioration. This includes temperature and humidity control, proper storage, and conservation efforts.

Digitization: Many archives are digitizing their collections to increase accessibility. Digital archives allow users to access materials remotely, reducing the need for physical visits.

FAQ 4: What Role Do Archives Play in Historical Research?

Archives are indispensable to historical research in the following ways:

Primary Sources: Archives provide primary source materials that offer firsthand accounts of historical events. Researchers rely on these materials to construct accurate narratives.

Contextual Information: Archives offer context for historical events by including related documents and records. Researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the past.

Uncovering Hidden Histories: Archives often contain materials that shed light on marginalized or overlooked histories, including those of underrepresented communities.

Verification: Researchers can use archives to verify facts, dates, and details in historical narratives.

Inspiration: Archives can inspire new research questions and areas of study by exposing researchers to previously unknown or understudied materials.

FAQ 5: Are Archives Accessible to the Public?

In many cases, archives are accessible to the public, although access policies can vary depending on the institution and the materials' sensitivity. Researchers, students, and the general public may need to follow specific procedures, such as making an appointment, adhering to reading room rules, and requesting materials in advance.

Archives are the guardians of our collective memory, holding within their walls the stories, knowledge, and legacies of our ancestors. They serve as bridges between the past and the present, enabling us to learn from history, understand our roots, and appreciate the diversity of human experiences. As we delve into the archives, we unlock the treasures of history and uncover the threads that connect us to the past. In doing so, we ensure that the voices and stories of those who came before us are not lost to the sands of time but continue to resonate in our hearts and minds.