‘Outlander’ Author, Diana Gabaldon, Donates literary Archive to Texas A&M

My maternal grandmother was an avid reader like me. We often talked about books we were reading over the years. She turned me onto reading books written by Diana Gabaldon.

Yesterday, I’ve learned that Diana Gabaldon is donating her entire literary archives to Texas A & M in an article titled, ‘Outlander’ author donates literary archive to Texas A&M by Stephen Perez.

In the article, Stephen Perez wrote the following:

The “Outlander” universe, in which a time-traveling British nurse finds adventure and romance with an 18th-century Scottish warrior, is coming to Aggieland.

The best-selling book series author, Dr. Diana Gabaldon, has selected Texas A&M University’s Cushing Memorial Library and Archives as the permanent home for her literary papers, notes and memorabilia from the historical science fiction, adventure-romance series and its hit streaming adaptation.

The collection will capture the evolution of Gabaldon’s storytelling and offer a glimpse into how her 1991 debut novel “Outlander” grew into a global phenomenon spanning novels, companion works and a long-running television adaptation.

“The acquisition of a collection of this magnitude marks a pivotal moment in the growth of our Libraries’ collections,” said Julie Mosbo Ballestro, university librarian and assistant provost. “We have long admired Diana’s contributions to the field, and we are eager to integrate her work into our Science Fiction and Fantasy Research Collection that ranks among the finest in the world.”

What I didn't know, until reading the above article, is that Texas A & M has a rich science fiction tradition! Click on the link to read the full story.

Sacramento Archives Crawl - Free Event!

 

I recently learned about the Sacramento Archives Crawl a couple of days ago. It's a free public event that is happening this upcoming weekend. 

I learned the following information about the Sacramento Archives Crawl from the Center For Sacramento History website:

Every October, in celebration of National Archives Month, archives and special collections libraries from throughout the region open their doors to the public and showcase their rarely seen holdings during the Sacramento Archives Crawl.

The Center has worked with other local archival institutions to organize and co-host the annual Sacramento Archives Crawl each year since 2010. The Crawl is held at four host institution sites in downtown Sacramento: the California State Archives, California State Library, Center for Sacramento History, and Sacramento Room at the Sacramento Public Library. Free bus transportation is provided between all four locations.

At the host sites, the public can view archival collections on display and take behind-the-scenes tours. Representatives from other archives and special collections libraries will be at the host locations, as well, to display their archival collections - historic photographs, documents, and objects - and answer questions about how to connect with local history resources.

Archives Crawl Passports are given to guests as they visit the host institutions. The passport provides a map of the event and information about the participating institutions - get your passport stamped at three of the four host sites and you'll get a set of limited-edition commemorative coasters that feature archival images representing that year's theme. Crawlers can also participate in a history scavenger hunt for a chance to win fun prizes.

I live about an hour and forty-five minutes away from Sacramento and would love to participate in the Sacramento Archives Crawl. However, I already have plans on October 4th, so I am unable to attend this event. I will take note of this annual, literary event for next year's timeframe and hope to attend then.