The Al Harris Library at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford was awarded an Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant by the Oklahoma Historical Society.
SWOSU received $19,557 for a project titled “Digitization of Special Collections,” where nearly 200 analog media assets were digitized from the Thomas P. Stafford, SWOSU Music Department, SWOSU Athletics, and University History Collections. This project not only digitally preserves information, but it provides public access to images and recordings not publicly viewed in decades. The completion of this project is part of the long-term goals associated with General Thomas P. Stafford Archives, digitizing all analog media held within these collections.
These digital copies have been placed on the university’s repository, SWOSU Digital Commons, which are viewable at the following URLs: Audio recordings, Stafford Collection https://dc.swosu.edu/staf_aud/ Video recordings, Stafford Collection https://dc.swosu.edu/staf_videos/ Slides (Images), Stafford Collection https://dc.swosu.edu/staf_slides/ Video recordings, University History Collection - https://dc.swosu.edu/staf_videos/ Video recordings, SWOSU Athletics https://dc.swosu.edu/ath_media/ “This project will not only digitally preserve information from analog assets documenting the university’s history, but it will provide public access to images and sounds recorded nearly 50 years ago from the Gemini Missions under the command of General Thomas P. Stafford,” said Jason Dupree, director of libraries at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
About the Oklahoma Historical Society The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org. About Southwestern Oklahoma State University Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of nearly 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.
