Stewart Library Special Collections Celebrates 50th Anniversary

WSU Stewart Library Special Collections will celebrate its 50th anniversary with the exhibit, "50 Stories for 50 Years," opening Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. This “facemask-friendly” event will include a 7:30 p.m. lecture by Pepper Glass, WSU sociology associate professor, to discuss his book “Misplacing Ogden.” Guests can also join the lecture via livestream on Facebook. 

Founded in 1971, Special Collections documents the history of Weber and Davis counties through photographs, original documents and oral histories. 50 Stories for 50 Years uses these materials to explore the people and events that have shaped Ogden’s history.

“Our mission is not only to preserve local history, but also share that history with the public,” said Sarah Langsdon, Head of Special Collections. “This anniversary seemed like the perfect opportunity to examine some of our favorite stories and collections.

While some well-known events and people are featured in the exhibit, many of the stories shine a light on lesser known or forgotten individuals. From the earliest indigenous people to the arrival of the transcontinental railroad; from 25th Street’s wild days to the civil activists fighting for change, these stories reveal the community’s achievements, shortcomings and evolution.

“Whether you’re an Ogden history buff, or new to the area, we’re confident that all our viewers will learn something new from the exhibit,” Langsdon said.

50 Stories for 50 Years is generously funded by the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation. The exhibit will be open until Dec. 17 during regular library hours. For more information about the exhibit or about Special Collections visit library.weber.edu or call 801-626-6540.

For exhibit photos, visit this link.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Melissa Francis, special collections coordinator
801-626-7235 • melissajohnson1@weber.edu

Contact:

Sarah Langsdon, curator of special collections
801-626-6337 • slangsdon@weber.edu