In 2025, the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library’s Archives Research Center (ARC) celebrates a remarkable milestone: 100 years of preserving, protecting, and
sharing the rich history and cultural legacy of Black Americans. From its humble start in 1925 at Atlanta University, with only 291 books, the Archives Research Center has become a nationally significant repository containing hundreds of unique historical collections, photographs, letters, rare books, organizational records, and cultural artifacts that document the Black experience. Sarah Tanner, archivist with the Woodruff Library Archive, joins us to discuss their work and this significant milestone.
Tanner speaks about the institute’s research center and what families can do safeguard their legacies for preservation in their archive. They host personal archiving workshops.
On January 22nd, the library will open its doors to display the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. archive. Tanner explains that there are many archives where King’s ephemera is held. This archive is specific to King’s years at Morehouse. She shares that there are handwritten notes, report cards, correspondence with classmates and colleagues. One piece that caught her attention was a telegram to Dr. King from Malcolm X.
I asked Tanner how she came to be an archivist, and she shares that this is her dream job. She speaks about loving history. This was the only class that she enjoyed, but she also knew she didn’t want to be a teacher. After obtaining her Master's of Information Science, she began her professional career as a professional archivist. She speaks about having a first-hand glimpse of what was happening in a much fuller, more complex picture.
To keep up with the activities and the upcoming event on January 22nd, you can follow the AUC Woodruff Library on social media platforms.
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