Raymond Baccari
Editor-in-Chief
Adams Library will now be home to Congressman Jim Langevin's congressional archives. Langevin, who graduated from Rhode Island College in 1990, is a proud alumnus.
“The first-rate education that I received at RIC laid the groundwork for my career in public service, so donating my Congressional archives to my alma mater was an easy decision,” Langevin said. “After serving the people of Rhode Island in Congress for the last 22 years, I hope that this collection will contribute to future scholarship about my work on behalf of Rhode Island, the study of Congress, and the history of our beloved state.”
These archives will be publicly available for everyone starting in April. Friday's announcement received just as much excitement from RIC President, Dr. Jack Warner.
“We are proud to provide a permanent home for these important historical documents from one of our most accomplished alumni,” Warner said. “Housing these vital public records in the Adams Library further enhances Rhode Island College’s stature as an anchor institution for our state.”
30 boxes that consisted of physical items as well as digital records were first delivered to RIC in November. Items that will be on display in the upcoming physical and digital exhibits include photos, speeches delivered by Langevin, bills that he sponsored and co-sponsored, briefing materials and a lot more.
Veronica Denison, digital archivist and special collections librarian, is organizing a digital exhibit that will have a large chunk of the collection. This is anticipated to be added to Adams Library's website at some point during 2023. Also online will be both a collection guide and finding aid.
“The collection contains materials relating to the subjects of healthcare, disability, stem cell research, national and cybersecurity, and career and technical education, constituent and official correspondence, legislative memos, homeland security, appropriations, and accomplishments,” Denison said. “This is an exciting resource to add to Special Collections. I am looking forward to making it accessible to the RIC community and the general public.”
In the library, there will be a display of the Langevin papers that'll rotate.
Those who are interested in seeing the archives located in Adams Library's Special Collections Reading Room will have to schedule an appointment once this exhibit is ready. The archive's hours for visitors are set to be Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
During Langevin's time at RIC, he was a part of Student Community Government. After his time as a student, Langevin spent a career in public service, first being a state representative, then Rhode Island's secretary of state and since 2000, congressman for the Second Congressional District.
Earlier this year, after 22 years as a member of Congress, Langevin decided to not run for reelection in 2022.
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