Collections : [James Madison University]

This series comprises materials related to the decennial Furious Flower poetry conferences, beginning with the inaugural conference in 1994. A significant portion of the records include logistical and planning documentation for each conference as well as marking and promotional items. These materials are comprised of calls for papers, contracts, correspondence, address lists, ticket requests, travel, transportation, and lodging reservations, and menus. The records include nontraditional items as well. Of interest are exhibit panels (text labels and images) describing and depicting the participants of the 1994 conference. Magnesium letterpress die plates used to print a limited edition portfolio Furious Flower: A Revolution in African American Poetry, a special collection of 23 poems selected by poets (who participated in the 1994 conference) to represent their work, are included. Six silk banners that adorned the Wilson Hall auditorium during the 2004 and 2014 conferences are included.

Series 3: Accession 2023-0127, 2023-0419, 1924-2008, primarily comprises photographs and photograph albums from events organized by the Alumni Association. Events include reunion weekend festivities, Bluestone Society inductions, Homecoming, Leeolou Alumni Center grand opening and parties, golf tournaments, award ceremonies, and group trips. Administrative files include planning documents, peer institution research, and reunion logistics.

Series 1: Administrative Files, 1934-2015, is primarily made up of files used for the logistical planning of reunions and files created for reunion attendees. These files include photographs, reunion booklets, active class member lists, sign-up sheets, alumni correspondence, and newsletters. These files remain largely in their original order, organized by the graduating classes. Nearly every class file includes reunion booklets for reunions between 1970 and 2005. Most class files include group photographs of alumni during reunions, as well as candid shots of reunion festivities.

Includes fixed asset inventories, collection financial reports, and reports generated by Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

The series largely documents Chas Blackley's involvement with radio stations WSVA and WTON and comprises photographs, correspondence, and printed ephemera. A file concerning Susan Blackley, Chas Blackley's daughter, is included and relate to her work as the horticulturalist for the city of Staunton. Photographs document Susan's time as a bartender at H.A. Winston's in Wilmington, Delaware.

Comprises papers and photographs related to the immediate and extended Blackley family. Materials also concern the Fry and Matthews families.

Series 7: 2025-0909 Accession, 1979-2025, comprises assorted administrative records documenting the activities of the Harrisonburg branch of AAUW. Materials include newsletters, yearbooks, conference programs, newspaper clippings, and records related to branch initiatives including the Equal Rights Amendment, the Crystal Theodore Scholarship, and other philanthropic endeavors.