To reflect the World History Association's 2023 conference theme of Energies, WHC student worker Nicholas Demjan, an undergraduate history major and recent alum, teamed up with Zachary Brodt and Megan Massanelli from the University Library System’s Archives and Special Collections to create an exhibit for the conference titled Pittsburgh Energies, Global Impacts. The production and expenditure of energy is at the heart of world history. This theme of energy - found in Pittsburgh and its impact on the world - is captured in the items from the University of Pittsburgh Library System’s Archives & Special Collections on display in this exhibit. The exhibit was on display on the third floor of Hillman Library from Summer 2023-Spring 2024.
According to Megan Massanelli, Archives & Special Collections Engagement and Outreach Librarian, since it's installation in June 2023, the exhibit was seen not only by visitors from the World History Association Conference, but also the many students enrolled in First Year Programs, tour groups from the university (such as staff of the Frederick Honors College) and from local organizations (such as members of Pittsburgh Public Theatre), and many, many more.
Although the exhibit is no longer on display at Hillman Library, an online record of the exhibit will be maintained at the Library website here: pitt.libguides.com/asc-exhibits/pittsburghenergiesglobalimpacts. Scroll down to see exhibit photographs!
The exhibit was displayed on three shelves organized around the themes of labor, art, and social movements.
The curators relied on diverse archival collections to reflect the energies of the city of Pittsburgh. Shown here “The Roots Of Us” (left) and Introduction (right) in As-Salaam-Alaikum; 1969 and Black Paper for Black Studies ; June 1, 1969 ; Curtiss E. Porter and Jack L. Daniel, Prepared by Black Action Society.
Visitors explore the exhibit.
