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Oregon State University

Program History

The Oregon State University Archives was established in 1961 as a component of the Kerr Library. Originally located in Gill Coliseum, the Archives was moved to Kidder Hall in 1963.

Harriet Moore, the first University Archivist, concentrated on acquiring historical materials relating to the University. Upon her retirement in 1966, William Schmidt was appointed as the next University Archivist. He established the records management component of the program, one of the first college and university records management programs in the nation.

In 1972 the University Archives and Records Management Program moved again — physically and administratively — to the newly constructed Administrative Services Building, where it was made part of the Office of Budgets and Planning.

On September 1, 2000, the University Archives became a department of the University Libraries. It is now located on the 3rd floor of the Valley Library.

Oregon State University Archivists

  • Harriet Moore 1961 - 1966
  • William F. Schmidt 1966 - 1969
  • Sally Jackman Wilson 1969 - 1978
  • Rolf Swensen 1978 - 1980
  • Laurie Filson Sletten 1980 - 1988
  • Michael E. Holland 1989 - 1996
  • Lawrence A. Landis Acting, 1996-1999; 1999-Present