Angela Jinks, 1970. Oxford College Photograph collection, Series No. 025. Oxford College Archives.
Oxford College Library of Emory University’s Oxford College has adapted “The Work is Never Finished: Building an Inclusive Archive”, originally on display October 2021 – December 2022 at the Oxford College Library, into a new digital exhibit. The exhibit highlights materials from the Oxford College Library’s Archives and Special Collections related to the history of Early Emory College and of Oxford College of Emory University. Items exhibited document over 150 years of Oxford history, and include films, photographs, interviews, family and business records, college records, student publications, and news clippings.
Emory and Oxford History
Oxford College is a small two-year liberal arts institution located in Oxford, Georgia, where students spend the first two years of their time at Emory before moving to the Atlanta campus. Oxford College had many incarnations before it reached its current form. It began as the original campus for Emory University when it was founded as Emory College in 1836 in Oxford, Georgia. Emory University was relocated to Atlanta in 1915 but kept the Oxford campus. Oxford would be a college preparatory academy and a junior college before becoming Oxford College.
Within this narrative though there is much that remains unexplored about the founding of Emory and the history of Oxford College. “The Work Is Never Finished” presents evidence that challenges dominant narratives of the college’s problematic history. The Oxford Library staff hopes the exhibit provides space to consider multiple counter narratives confronting systemic racism and its impact on the Oxford community. The exhibit continues the conversations the University has engaged in around how Native American dispossession and slavery contributed to the success of Emory University and its founders. The staff hopes the exhibit can contribute to the work being done across the University by students, faculty, staff and the Twin Memorials Project on these topics.
Beyond these goals, the exhibit poses a series of questions and definitions intended to introduce viewers to archival concepts and research methods, as well as the wide variety of formats and content that can be considered primary sources. In particular, the exhibit critically examines the role archival silences play in creating and reinforcing narratives that have dominated the way Emory discusses its history. The exhibit also demonstrates how Oxford College Library’s Archives & Special Collections staff are integrating restorative justice principles into their ongoing work.
“The Work is Never Finished” provides a chance to engage with uncomfortable subject matter and challenge ourselves to think of ways we can work to create a more inclusive and just community at Emory and Oxford College.
View “The Work is Never Finished: Building Inclusive Archives”
Oxford College Library’s Archives & Special Collections
Oxford College Library’s Archives & Special Collections contain materials concerning the college’s history, local geographical history, as well as unique items like our Collection of Asian Artifacts. Oxford College Library’s Archives & Special Collections are available to the public for research, and students especially are encouraged to examine this exhibition and the collections the exhibits are drawn from for their own research projects or personal interest. Contact the Oxford College Library to learn more.
The digital exhibit was adapted by Alexandrea Kord, Kerry Bowden, Stephanie Darden, and Jacob Lackner
—by Alexandrea Kord, Teaching and Learning librarian, Oxford College
Full image information: Jinks, Angela, 1970, Subseries 5.1, Box: 16, Folder: 15. Oxford College Photograph collection, Series No. 025. Oxford College Archives. https://archives.libraries.emory.edu/repositories/6/archival_objects/477953.