George Mason University Oral History Program collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

Collection is open to research although some interviews may have access restrictions. Restrictions are under the name of the interviewee.

Terms of access:

In general, there are no restrictions on personal use. If restrictions on personal use exist, they are under the name of the interviewee.

Preferred citation:

George Mason University Oral History Program collection, #R0121, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Summary

Extent:
7 Linear Feet
Creator:
George Mason University
Abstract:
Collection contains over three hundred interviews with George Mason University students, faculty, staff and administrators. Primarly, the collection deals with the history of the university. Individuals from the Fairfax area are also included, and they detail other aspects of the history of the surrounding area.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

George Mason University Oral History Program collection, #R0121, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

Contains over 300 interviews focused mainly on the history of George Mason University and the surrounding Fairfax, Virginia area. Interviews were conducted between 1978 and the present and cover the years 1957 to present.

Biographical / historical:

Special Collections Research Center began operation originally as the repository for the records of the Federal Theatre Project placed on loan to George Mason University by the Library of Congress. An outgrowth of George Mason University's Institute for the Federal Theatre Project, the department began to collect rare books and University Archives in 1978 and was named Special Collectionsf & Archives in 1984. In 2018, the name changed again to Special Collections Research Center.

The Oral History Program (OHP) records and preserves oral histories documenting personal perspectives about the creation, development, and growth of the university, key collections within Special Collections Research Center, and communities in the region of Northern Virginia.

Established in 1999, the program has conducted over 300 interviews, focused mainly on George Mason University's history and the surrounding Fairfax area. Encompassing diverse members of the university community, from past university presidents to former students, the interviews contain a wide range of voices and perspectives.

Acquisition information:
Interviews recorded by Special Collections Research Center staff.
Processing information:

Processed by Special Collections Research Center staff. Additional processing completed in 2013 by Catharine Cox, Kerry Mitchell, and Jordan Patty. Collection was reprocessed and reorganized in 2020 by Amah Joyce "Joy" Ehui and Robert Vay.

Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically by interview date.

Physical location:
R91, C1, S5 - C2, S1
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard