Sweeney, James R. A Guide to the James R. Sweeney Papers RG 10-4B1

A Guide to the James R. Sweeney Papers RG 10-4B1


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ODU University Archives

3000 Perry Library
4427 Hampton Blvd.
Norfolk, VA 23529
Telephone: 757-683-5350
libspecialcollections@odu.edu
URL: https://www.odu.edu/library/special-collections

Mel Frizzell

Repository
ODU University Archives
Identification
RG 10-4B1
Title
James R. Sweeney Papers circa 1905-2018, undated 1970-1980 Date acquired: 00/00/1981
URL:
https://archivesguides.lib.odu.edu/repositories/3/resources/190
Quantity
2.80 Linear Feet
Quantity
6 Hollinger document cases boxes
Creator
Sweeney, James R.
Language
English .
Abstract
This collection includes material related to Old Dominion University and Hampton Roads history collected by Dr. James R. Sweeney, associate professor of history and former University Archivist.

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Use

Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, and the holder of the copyright, if not Old Dominion University Libraries.

Conditions Governing Access

Open to researchers without restrictions.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Box [insert number], Folder [insert number and title], Dr. James R. Sweeney Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.

Source of Acquisition

Dr. James R. Sweeney

Method of Acquisition

Gift.

Processing Information

The collection was processed and finding aid created by Mel Frizzell, Special Collections Assistant, in 2008.


Biographical or Historical Information

Dr. James Sweeney began teaching at Old Dominion University in 1970. It wasn't until later that year that he received his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame upon completing his thesis on the Harry F. Byrd political organization in Virginia. Dr. Sweeney has taught courses on Virginia history, American Civilization, and a course on United States history since 1945. He has published articles for historical journals such as the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, the Virginia Quarterly Review, and the Presidential Studies Quarterly. Additionally, he has written two books: Old Dominion University: A Half Century of Service in 1980, and Race, reason, and massive resistance: the diary of David J. Mays, 1954-1959 which was published in 2008. Sweeney was the first official archivist for ODU starting in 1974, though at the time this position was only part time. Sweeney carried a 6 hour class load in addition to his archivist duties. He began working as archivist when President Bugg created the position and remained in the position until 1981. Sweeney was instrumental in establishing the University Archives and Special Collections in the ODU library in 1976. He oversaw the transition of the University Archives from scattered offices in BAL into the new Library. Before that time, University materials were unofficially collected on campus by Dr. Benjamin Clymer and Dr. Robert McClelland. Dr. Sweeney started an oral history program in the Archives which interviewed present and former professors, staff, and students about their experiences at the college. Additionally, prominent Hampton Roads citizens were interviewed about life and organizations in the local community. This oral history program still continues in the ODU Library. Additionally, Dr. Sweeney serves as the chapter advisor to Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society, which publishes The Old Dominion University Historical Review. He has served as a national officer of this society.

Note written by Mel Frizzell

Scope and Contents

This collection includes material related to Old Dominion University and Hampton Roads history collected by Dr. James R. Sweeney, associate professor of history and former university archivist. Included are correspondence, photos, news clippings, and oral history materials, as well as Sweeney's notes and drafts for the book Old Dominion University: A Half Century of Service .

Arrangement Note

The collection is organized into five series: Series I: ODU Library and University Archives; Series II: ODU History; Series III: Local History; Series IV: Florence "Fay" Zetlin; and Series V: Photographs.

Subjects and Indexing Terms


Significant Persons Associated With the Collection

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Significant Places Associated With the Collection

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Container List

Series I
Series I: ODU Library and University Archives
1974-1984
Scope and Contents

This series contains articles and other information related to the University Archives and the University Library at Old Dominion University.

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Series II
Series II: ODU History
circa 1920-1999, undated
Scope and Contents

This series consists of material related to Dr. Sweeney's work on the history of Old Dominion University. The series includes oral history interviews, correspondence, news clippings, research notes, and information on Dr. Sweeney's book, Old Dominion University: A Half Century of Service .

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Series III
Series III: Local History
1905-1907, 1971, undated
Scope and Contents

This series contains items related to local history, but not specifically ODU history. Topics include: Atlantic University, a university that was founded around the same time as the Norfolk Division of William and Mary. It went bankrupt shortly thereafter, but was revived in the 1980s by the Association for Research and Enlightenment; the Freelance, a Norfolk newsletter from 1905-06; Jamestown Exposition postcards from 1907; and the Norfolk Gorilla, a 1970s radical newspaper.

Arrangement

Alphabetical

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Series IV
Series IV: Florence "Fay" Zetlin
circa 1950-1970, undated
Scope and Contents

Fay Zetlin was a well-known Virginia artist who also taught in the Art Department at ODU. This series contains correspondence and news clippings concerning Zetlin and her art.

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Series V
Series V: Photographs
circa 1943-1980, undated
Scope and Contents

This series contains a complete set of photographs used in Dr. Sweeney's book, Old Dominion University: A Half Century of Service . Additionally, there are a few photos that are not a part of this set. All photos except those in Sub-Series Lare from book.

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