UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 13hTomorrow's the last day to sign up for our archives basics and websites for collections workshops. You can do so at go.unk.edu/3xiy Hope y'all can join us this weekend. (these are only in-person; we hope to offer this online in the future) 021
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Hope your Monday goes as smoothly as this banana boat sails! Homecoming parade float from 1957. It's from the Donald Briggs Collection; you can see Briggs' editorial decision with the "crop here" mark. Pic would have gone in the yearbook or local paper #archives #Homecoming @unkearney.bsky.social 000
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 24/09/2026We're throwing all the way back to 1860 for this week's #tbt. Helen Clark was part of a group traveling to Colorado, following the Platte River. She was Unimpressed by Kearney. Clark's diary was published by the Denver Public Library. #Nebraska #archives 000
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 15/09/2026We love items with a strong perspective! A new addition, Notes from a New Afrikan P.O.W. Journal, features work by incarcerated people. This issue has an article written from a Nebraska prison, on organizing, both armed and not. The annotations are an interesting window on past owners. #archives 000
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 03/09/2026With classes back in session, we hope everyone's settling into their rooms, learning lots, and finding time fun, like these past students. All shots are from our More Old Photos and People, No Dates folders. We'd guess 1950s for the ping pong, 70s/80s for the others. #archives #ThrowbackThursday 011
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 21/08/2026We're welcoming students to campus today, some for the first time, others returning. While a few things have changed in the last 15 years, we bet these dorm check-in scenes from Mantor Hall in 2011 looks familiar to those moving in today. #FlashbackFriday #ResidenceLife #archives #dorms 001
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 21/07/2026"I've about come to the conclusion there is no use for me to want [to] do anything very much as something always happens. It ALWAYS does when there is something I particularly want to do!" - Mrs. George Trine [Lida Forst Trine] in a letter to Myron H. Swenk, May 15, 1932 #mood #quotes #archives 010
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 24/04/2026This year, we tested recipes from 1950s Home Ec classes, including Pineapple Cookies from 1951 and Athens Nut Pie from 1955. They got positive reviews. The cookies were tasty (not enough pineapple), but no one understood why the pie was called a pie when it's actually a cake! #ArchiveFoodandDrink 010
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 17/04/2026Different items need different sized boxes. This is one of our larger boxes, perfect for clothing. We have cheerleading uniforms, interleaved with acid-free tissue, in this one. #ArchiveStorage #Archive30 031
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 15/04/2026We can't do much in-house but sometimes works come to us with previous conservation work. One of our newest items, Nathanel Low's Almanack (1784) has mending on its first page. While it stabilized the page, it also obscured some of the text #ArchiveConservation #Archive30 #Archives #RevolutionaryWar 012
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 13/04/2026The Stephen Lawhead Collection was one of our biggest projects to date, involving cataloging 100s of books and processing many boxes of archives. Final count: 22 archival boxes and over 100 books. Thanks to the Lawheads for the donation and to our great staff for their work. #SomethingBig #Archive30 021
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 13/04/2026We work with community groups to care for their archives. For the Daughters of the American Revolution time capsule we digitized everything and provide online hosting. Most of the items date from the 1920s, while some were added in the 60s tinyurl.com/mr34cj2 #CommunityArchives #Archive30 #Nebraska 011
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 10/04/2026From the Processing Archivist: To augment the “Americans and the Holocaust” exhibit I processed collections related to Nebraskans in WW II, including one based on a digital student project titled “Retracing Old Lines”. These letters came in mostly processed! #CataloguingCollections #Archive30 113
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 09/04/2026We love these tennis pictures. They show off tennis's wide popularity - it was for everyone. For those with keen eyes, you can also see one of the Admin Building wings under construction. Group photo: date unknown, likely 1910s or 1920s Pairs photo: early 1910s #SportArchives #Archive30 #tennis 031
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 08/04/2026The Archives is full of the past (and, we'd argue, the seeds of the future). E. Ruth Pyrtle's 1922 State Superintendent of Instruction campaign materials share her past, from teaching to travel, and her vision for future. Equal ed for all sounds good to us! #ArchivePast #Archive30 #Nebraska #HistEd 012
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 07/04/2026We have lots of cute animal pictures in the Archives. This is....not that. We are "lucky" enough to have a late 80s/early 90s Louie the Loper costume. Our brave archivist deigned to put on the definitely not haunted head from the antelope mascot costume #ArchiveAnimals #Archive30 #Mascots #Archives 011
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 06/04/2026We love the small items in our collection, among them this 1" button from the @unkearney.bsky.social normal school era, features the Administration Building. #SomethingSmall #Archive30 #archives 012
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 06/04/2026A centerpiece of campus until the 1970s was the Administration Building (1905). Wings were added; a 1911 letter shows a $50k appropriation for the north wing, while the 1917 pic shows off results. The building was condemned in 1968. Demolition was completed in 1984. #ArchiveBuildings #Archive30 101
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 01/04/2026👋Hi everyone! It's time for #Archive30 again. We're the University of Nebraska at Kearney Archives & Special Collections. We specialize in #Nebraska, history of education, and fun stuff that supports campus teaching and learning. Pics are before & after our recent renovation. #YourArchive 031
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 13/03/2026Myron Swenk opines that Friday, Nov 13, 1931 was a "most lucky and fortunate day, for that was the day that it was my privilege to be with you and enjoy your hospitality." Hope y'all are having a Friday the 13th full of friends rather than misfortune. #FridayThe13th #FlashbackFriday #NOU #archives 000
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 12/03/2026The central Nebraska flyway migration is in full swing. What did the spring migration look like in 1930? Kearneyite Cyrus Black shared reports of flocks of whooping cranes 40 strong with Prof. Myron H. Swenk at UNL. #ThrowbackThursday #archives #cranes #Nebraska #NOU #ornithology #BirdSky 010
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 05/03/2026Kearney students were part of the national peace movement, arguing against war. From the 1936 peace convocation: "Donald Smith denounced the so-called "causes" for which wars are fought, saying that they are merely a blind for some hidden purpose" #TBThursday #archives #AATH #WWII 110
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 05/03/2026Showing tonight (3/5) at 6pm, From Swastika to Jim Crow. We'll be in the community engagement room near the entrance of the UNK Library. Hope you can join us! #events #AATH 001
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 03/03/2026Join us this evening at 6pm at the Kearney Public Library for a showing of Most Honorable Son, with discussion afterwards with several experts. We're working on tech, so no promises, but you might be able to view the panel discussion (~7pm CT) at unk.zoom.us/j/9900282001... #AATH #archives #events 001
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 20/02/2026Today's the day - 12pm CT! Despite some weather/travel hiccups for our presenters, we're still on. While we recommend attending in person at the Kearney Public Library, we're also offering Zoom attendance: unk.zoom.us/meeting/regi... #archives #WWII #Nebraska #POWs #AATH 001
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 17/02/2026The United States getting involved in Europe was a topic of major debate before Pearl Harbor. When we went through the 1930s and 1940s student newspapers, we found FAR more articles advocating for peace than the reverse. Any guesses when this article dates to? #archives #AATH #Nebraska #WWII 000
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 17/02/2026Happening Friday (2/20) at 12pm CT: German POW Camps in Nebraska. While we recommend attending in person at the Kearney Public Library, we're also offering Zoom attendance: unk.zoom.us/meeting/regi... #archives #WWII #Nebraska #POWs #AATH 010
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 28/01/2026If you're in Nebraska and looking for a fun activity this coming Sunday, February 1, join us at Kearney's World Theatre at 6pm. We're showing Race, followed by a discussion on some of its key themes. #archives #Events #Nebraska 001
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 26/01/2026We hear that a lot of our American followers got just a little bit of winter weather. Here's a 1910s shot of the Administration Building, sporting about as much snow as we currently have. #Archives #Snow 000
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 16/12/2025Bells are ringing. We're not sure whether the bells are supposed to be Christmas bells or wedding bells - this page is from the Arthur White/Irma Higgins album, and Arthur drew a loooooot of kissing pictures, so we're leaning towards wedding but same difference. #ArchiveAdventCalendar #Bells 041
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 12/12/2025On the Great Plains, festive clothes need to be warm. We love these pics of people in their fancy, warm best. They're from a primarily-1920s photo album from a Nebraska teacher who worked in Wyoming and western Nebraska. #FestiveClothes #ArchiveAdventCalendar #fashion #archives 022
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 09/12/2025Despite the U.S.'s looming entry into World War II, on campus, Christmas 1941 was filled with various activities. They held a Nativity play, parties, dances, and more. If this newspaper article looks a little different, you're right! It was printed with blue ink. #ArchiveAdventCalendar #Nativity 031
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 09/12/2025Cookies are a perpetual favorite #FestiveFood. When we had home ec, the students hosted a Christmas Tea, complete with booklets of international cookie recipes. These are a few of the entries from the 1955 tea. If you make any of these, let us know how they turn out! #ArchiveAdventCalendar 031
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 07/12/2025One of our favorite items in Archives is a scrapbook with drawings Arthur White, working in British Columbia, sent to Irma Higgins here in Kearney in the 1930s. This drawing shows the imagined couple doing various activities, including ice skating. #WinterSports #ArchiveAdventCalendar #drawing #art 042
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 05/12/2025One of the many symbols of the season is a tree. We love these various versions of Christmas trees, from the printed card to the handmade renditions. All are included in scrapbooks kept by unkearney.bsky.social Greek organizations and donated to Archives. #ArchiveAdventCalendar #Tree #ChristmasTree 021
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 04/12/2025Are YOU sick of hearing the same Christmas songs over and over? I have a solution for you: Christmas songs composed by UNK Music students in the 1920s. Are they good? Um. Well... If you record them, feel free to tag us - we'd love to hear your rendition. #ArchiveAdventCalendar #ChristmasCarol #music 031
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 02/12/2025One of our favorite sources of festive light is candles. Bernice Halbert's poem, "Candles for Christmas", contains some lovely illustrations of candles, along with the text of the poem. Plus, it's on festive green paper! openspaces.unk.edu/spec-coll/41/ #ArchiveAdventCalendar #FestiveLights #poetry 001
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 25/11/2025What was on the Thanksgiving menu 100 years ago? For Cyrus Black, it was Canada goose and mallard ducks. Cyrus writes, "if it doesn't wreck me, you will hear from me again some time." Spoiler: he survives and corresponds regularly w the recipient. #Archives #NebraskaOrnithologistsUnion #Thanksgiving 010
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 31/10/2025Even creatures of darkness need to do their banking (undated, from "Old Photos" binder). #archives #Halloween #ArchivesCreepy 020
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 28/10/2025Can't trust those Canadians; they say they see unicorns, with horns like ammonites. ...love you, northern neighbours! From Travels in the Interior Parts of America : Communicating Discoveries Made in Exploring the Missouri, Red River, and Washita (1807) #HistSci #Archives #Ammonites 130
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 17/10/2025We're having a "what is time?" kind of month. Soooo although Ask an Archivist Day is done, ask us All The Questions (whenever you'd like; that's what we're here for). #AskAnArchivist #archives 130
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 07/10/2025Watch out for sharks, at least if you're the Pittsburg State Gorillas in 1975! This was one of many entries in the @unkearney.bsky.social Homecoming lawn decorating competition. That year's theme: Cartoon Carnival. #UNKHomecoming2025 #archives #Snoopy 010
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 06/10/2025As @unkearney.bsky.social kicks off Homecoming Week, we're flashing back 75 years. Lawn decorating isn't on the schedule this year, but who could resist this 1950 shot? It has it all: dragons & knights, plus bad puns! #Archives #UNKHomecoming2025 030
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 01/10/2025We join the world in mourning the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall. She visited @unkearney.bsky.social in 2005. Part of her remarks highlight hope: "However grim and bleak the world seems today, it will change. Each one of us can do our bit." openspaces.unk.edu/unkantelope/... #JaneGoodall #Archives 040
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 28/08/2025This #ThrowbackThursday, we're featuring a 1969 #poem from an alt newspaper, The Scorpion. The Scorpion was a liberal response to conservative Kearney campus culture during the Vietnam War Want to read more? It's available: openspaces.unk.edu/scorpion/6/ #archives #VietnamWar #poetry 040
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 22/08/2025Welcome back to campus! We hope y'all can join us for @unkearney.bsky.social Blue and Gold (5-8pm, 8/22). Blue and Gold is a long-running tradition. These pics are from the 1997 version, which came complete with carnival rides. We can't promise that today, but there will be food! #UNK #Archives 030
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 24/07/2025The weather is heating up here. We hope y'all are coping, whether with some cooling wading like these 1910s Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney students or hanging out in the lovely AC at @unklibrary.bsky.social #ThrowbackThursday #Archives #Nebraska 020
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 17/07/2025Keep pedaling 🚲 towards the weekend. You can do it! Undated image from the Kearney State College Bike Bowl #Archives #KearneyStateCollege #tricycle 010
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 01/07/2025For National Stamp Day, here's the great 1958 Freedom of the Press stamp. This one was used to mail a letter to Dr. Henry E. Baumgarten. Baumgarten was involved with the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union (NOU). We've partnered with NOU to digitize their archives. #NationalStampDay #Archives #Stamps 030
UNK Archives @unkarchives.bsky.social · 30/04/2025Why archives? They give us voices from the past, whether literally through oral histories or through other evidence. #WhyArchives #Archive30 031