George Mason University Oral History Project collection
Scope and Content
Consists of approximately 200 interviews focused mainly on George Mason history. From past university presidents to former students, the collection comprises a wide range of voices and perspectives.
For example, members of the OHP collected interviews documenting the 2006 Men's Basketball run to the NCAA Final Four, including interviews with Coach Jim Larranaga and wife Liz, University President Alan Merten and wife Sally, players Tony Skinn, Lamar Butler, Will Thomas, Folarin Campbell, and others.
Other highlights of the collection include interviews with A. Linwood Holton, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia (1970-1974); university presidents Lorin A. Thompson (1966-1973), Virgil H. Dykstra (1973-1977), Robert H. Krug (1977-1978), George Johnson (1978-1996), and Alan Merten (1996-present); arts patron Joanne Johnson; Joseph Mathy, Mason supporter and long-time Fairfax resident; Edwin Meese III, former rector (1998-2004) and member of the Board of Visitors (1996-2004); Richard Sparks and Ann Walker Sparks, Mason College alumni and photographer; psychology professor of the Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, Lev Vekker; and John and Chipper Whalan, Mason alumni and constructors of the first telescope on campus.
Dates
- Creation: 1978-2015
Creator
- George Mason University (Organization)
Access Restrictions
Collection is open to research although some interviews may have access restrictions. Restrictions are under the name of the interviewee.
Use Restrictions
In general, there are no restrictions on personal use. If restrictions on personal use exist, they are under the name of the interviewee.
Historical Information
The Oral History Program staff records and preserves oral histories primarily of members of the GMU community, which include faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the university. These interviews capture unique personal perspectives about the creation, development, and growth of the university.
Extent
6 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Consists of approximately 200 interviews focused mainly on George Mason history. From past university presidents to former students, the collection comprises a wide range of voices and perspectives.
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by last name of the interviewee.
Acquisition Information
Interviews recorded by the staff of Special Collections and Archives.
Alternative Form Available
Samples from selected interviews are available through the SCRC Oral History Portal..
Processing Information
Processed by Special Collections and Archives staff. Additional processing completed in 2013 by Catharine Cox, Kerry Mitchell, and Jordan Patty.
Subject
- Holton, A. Linwood (Abner Linwood), 1923- (Person)
- Johnson, George W., 1928-2017 (Person)
- Dykstra, Vergil H., 1925-2010 (Person)
- Larranaga, Jim (Person)
- Meese, Edwin (Person)
- Thompson, Lorin A., 1902-1999 (Person)
- Krug, Robert C. (Person)
- George Mason University Foundation (Organization)
Genre / Form
Geographic
Topical
- Title
- Guide to the George Mason University Oral History Project collection, 1978-2013
- Subtitle
- George Mason Universtiy Oral History Project
- Status
- Edited Full Draft
- Author
- Jordan Patty
- Date
- 2006 By George Mason University Libraries. All rights reserved.
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Description is in English
Repository Details
Part of the George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections Research Center Repository
Fenwick Library, MS2FL
4400 University Dr.
Fairfax Virginia 22030 United States
703-993-2220
703-993-8911 (Fax)
speccoll@gmu.edu
