American Heritage Center: Preserving History and Rare Collections
Founded in 1945, the American Heritage Center (AHC) serves as a vital repository for historical preservation and academic inquiry. By housing a vast array of primary sources—original documents or first-hand accounts of an event—the Center provides an essential bridge between the past and present for scholars and students alike.
Key Facts
- Established in 1945.
- Holds over 90,000 cubic feet of collection material (as of 2020).
- Houses more than 50,000 rare books.
- Welcomes 6,000 to 7,000 researchers annually.
- Hosts the Wyoming History Day program for students in grades 6-12 and undergraduates.
Extensive Archival Collections
The scale of the AHC's holdings is immense. As of 2020, the Center manages more than 90,000 cubic feet of material, which equates to roughly 17 miles of cubic-foot increments. This massive archive allows researchers to dive deep into historical records to uncover nuanced perspectives on the American experience.
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The Toppan Library
A crown jewel of the Center is the Toppan Library, which houses the University of Wyoming's rare book collection. This specialized library documents the evolution of the book as a medium, featuring a chronological range that spans from medieval manuscripts to modern printed works.
Supporting Research and Education
The AHC is more than a storage facility; it is an active hub for academic growth. The Center supports the scholarly community by providing travel grants and fellowships to facilitate deep-dive research.
To integrate these archives into the classroom, the Center administers a specific grant program for University of Wyoming faculty. These grants fund the development of new courses that utilize the primary sources available within the AHC, ensuring that students engage directly with historical evidence.
Community Outreach and Youth Engagement
Beyond university walls, the AHC maintains a robust outreach program targeting undergraduates and students in grades 6 through 12. A primary component of this effort is the Wyoming History Day program, which is closely tied to the National History Day initiative, encouraging young learners to conduct their own historical investigations.
| Category | Detail/Quantity |
|---|---|
| Year Established | 1945 |
| Collection Volume (2020) | 90,000+ cubic feet |
| Rare Book Count | 50,000+ |
| Annual Researchers | 6,000 - 7,000 |
| Key Library | Toppan Library |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the American Heritage Center established?
The American Heritage Center was established in 1945.
What is the size of the AHC collection?
As of 2020, the collection consists of more than 90,000 cubic feet of material, which is approximately 17 miles of cubic-foot increments.
What can be found in the Toppan Library?
The Toppan Library holds the University's rare book collection, documenting the history of books from medieval manuscripts to modern printed editions.
How does the AHC support University of Wyoming faculty?
The Center provides a teaching and research grant program to help faculty develop new courses based on the primary sources held at the AHC.
What educational programs are available for K-12 students?
The AHC organizes and hosts the Wyoming History Day program, which is connected to National History Day, for students in grades 6-12 and undergraduates.