Apparently Sly's predecessors also felt the pull of non-paper treasures, as many adorn the archives' rooms. Nearby are collections of silver Smith spoons, Wedgwood plates bearing images of college buildings and a case of brass pins representing student organizations. Playing-card charms dangle from a sterling bracelet that once graced the wrist of a Poker Club member. It's an attractive decoration, but the sign serves a larger purpose. It and the other artifacts lure potential scholars with a siren's song of history.
Artifacts are a good way to introduce history to people.
And, although the archives' mission continues to be documenting Smith's history primarily with documents and photographs, other historical objects can't be ignored. Newsbriefs A possible campus center for Smith returned to the college's front burner after a task force was formed in late fall. She wants as many voices as possible to be heard before major decisions are made. Last spring, the Committee on the Education of Women presented its report to then- president Mary Maples Dunn, who left decisions about its recommendations to her successor. President Simmons convened an all-college forum in October to comment on the report.