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George Mason University Oral History Project collection

 Collection
Identifier: R0121

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

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..

Related Material

Special Collections and Archives also holds many other oral history collections with a particular emphasis on theatre and Northern Virginia.

Processing Information

Processed by Special Collections and Archives staff. Additional processing completed in 2013 by Catharine Cox, Kerry Mitchell, and Jordan Patty.

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

Contact:
Fenwick Library, MS2FL
4400 University Dr.
Fairfax Virginia 22030 United States
703-993-2220
703-993-8911 (Fax)