In a recent seminar facilitated by the Lifelong Learning and Adult Education Program, Dr. Alexis Cherewka and Dr. José Cossa generously shared their profound experiences and insights into the complexities of archival research. Alexis delved into a comprehensive presentation, focusing on researching the life of Frank Laubach during the early Cold War at Syracuse University. In contrast, José drew from diverse archival research experiences spanning various institutions and countries. Together, they provided a wealth of knowledge for students navigating the intricate world of historical documentation. This article aims to distill the key lessons and perspectives from both seminars, offering valuable insights for current and future participants.
Alexis Unveiled Laubach’s Legacy in Adult Education Literacy. She initiated the session with an engaging presentation centered around Laubach, shedding light on the historical significance of this influential figure. By delving into Laubach’s correspondence and documents, Alexis demonstrated the depth and richness of archival research in bringing historical figures to life.
Key Takeaways from Alexis’ Presentation:
- Humanizing Historical Figures: Alexis emphasized the importance of going beyond the surface and humanizing historical figures. By exploring personal letters, interactions, and conversations, researchers can uncover the human side of historical figures, moving beyond the formal documents and official records.
- The Power of Context: Laubach’s story was intricately linked to the context of his time. Alexis highlighted the significance of understanding historical and cultural contexts to interpret documents accurately.
- Rabbit Holes: Alexis highlighted the importance of maintaining a delicate balance during archival research. While the allure of discovering intriguing details or side stories (rabbit holes) can be fascinating, it’s crucial to stay focused on the primary research goals.
Following Alexis, Dr. José Cossa shared his extensive experiences in archival research, particularly focusing on his time at UNESCO. Drawing from multiple archival projects, José offered practical insights into the challenges and rewards of navigating archives associated with international organizations.
Key Takeaways from José’s Seminar:
- Navigating Unique Protocols: José discussed the varying protocols and access restrictions prevalent in different archives. From stringent security measures to the necessity of detailed documentation, researchers must adapt to the unique cultures of each archive.
- Planning and Patience: José emphasized meticulous planning and patience as essential virtues for archival researchers. Time is a critical factor, requiring researchers to allocate sufficient time for negotiations, declassification processes, and unanticipated delays.
- Triangulation and Trustworthiness: José introduced the concept of hermeneutics, emphasizing the dual aspects of external and internal criticism for document validation. Triangulating information ensures the reliability of historical data while avoiding the trap of reading too much into the text.
- Digitalization Challenges: José acknowledged the growing trend of archives digitizing documents, highlighting the challenges associated with digital copies, including issues of quality and legibility.
The seminar provided students with a comprehensive understanding of archival research, from humanizing historical figures to navigating the intricacies of international organization archives. As the participants embark on their own archival journeys, they carry with them the valuable lessons shared by these seasoned researchers, further enriching their appreciation for the historical narratives waiting to be uncovered in the archives.
About the speakers:
Alexis Cherewka holds a Ph.D. in Lifelong learning and adult education. She specializes in teacher training, curriculum development, and her research centers on adult theories of learning, teacher education, and policy analysis in literacy and language education. She can be reached at alexis_cherewka@worlded.org
José Cossa holds a Ph.D. in Cultural and Educational Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago, focusing on Comparative and International Education. His expertise spans adult online and distance education, education in Africa, power dynamics in educational policy negotiation, and issues related to the promise of modernity. He can be reached at jxc6421@psu.edu