Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

Kent State University May 4 Visitors Center records

Inclusive Date(s):

1970-2014

Bulk Date(s):

2009-2013

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Rennie Greenfield, April 2016

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Rennie Greenfield using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2016

Description Rules:

Finding aid prepared using DACS 2nd Edition

Origination:

Kent State University. May 4 Visitors Center

Extent:

6.5 cubic feet (5 record storage boxes and 2 flat oversize boxes)

Physical Location:

11th floor (May 4 Collection, Boxes 222-228)

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0175

Abstract:

These records chronicle the efforts to establish and build the May 4 Visitors Center at Kent State University. They show the evolution of the museum's content and building design (also known as the script) as well as the audio visual materials used (also known as the media production). Additionally, these records contain the feedback solicited from various groups during the process and the efforts to obtain funding for the project.

Revision(s):

April 2017 - Revised

Language(s):

The records are in English.

History of the Kent State University May 4 Visitors Center

After years of effort by a team of dedicated individuals, the May 4 Visitors Center opened its doors in May of 2013 with filmmaker Oliver Stone and PBS news anchor Gwen Ifill participating as part of the dedication ceremony. A project years in the making, the center uses a range of audio visual materials (media production) to tell the story of the months leading up to the Kent State Shootings, the events of May 4, 1970, and the historical impact felt in the aftermath. Faculty, administrators, students, community members, veterans, and humanities scholars worked together with local historians to determine the museum's content and design the Visitors Center, a process known as script writing. Feedback was solicited from all circles through public forums and focus groups. The project was made possible by a 300,000 dollar grant from the National Endowment of the Humanities and by a combined 667,000 dollars in funding from all 16 deans from every Kent State campus and college. The design firm of Gallagher and Associates worked with Kent State to design the displays. Exhibits were constructed by Exhibit Concepts, Inc. Laura Davis and Carole Barbato along with GTOO Media produced a film titled, "A Turning Point" which shows on a loop in the center's second gallery. The film won the Golden Eagle Award from the Council on International Non Theatrical Events in 2013. The Visitors Center also received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Ohio Local History Alliance (OLHA) in 2014. The Visitors Center is located in room 101 of Taylor Hall, 300 Midway Drive on the Kent State Campus.

Scope and Content

This collection contains materials from the May 4 Visitors Center from its conception to its opening and operation. There are building and design plans showing multiple revisions throughout the process. Likewise, the original script (a literal representation of every item in the museum and its placement) for the museum and the many revisions that followed are represented as well. There are also materials from the May 4 walking tour, the media production for the museum, the various meetings and consultations throughout the process, and news clippings regarding the center. Additionally, there are items from several grant proposals and efforts to fund the center.

Statement of Arrangement

This collection has been arranged into the following nine series:

• Series 1: Exhibition Scripts
• Series 2: Grant Proposals
• Series 3: Building Designs and Plans
• Series 4: Vendor Information: Gallagher and Associates Design
• Series 5: Media Production
• Series 6: Development of the Visitors Center
• Sub-Series 1: Public Feedback Fourms
• Sub-Series 2: Scholars Meetings
• Sub-Series 3: Kent Team Meeting
• Sub-Series 4: Consultations
• Series 7: Walking Tour
• Series 8: Clippings
• Series 9: Visitors Center Dedication
• Series 10: Student Projects Related to Visitors Center Development

Restrictions on Access

Some information included in this collection is restricted due to the presence of information protected by privacy laws. This information has been redacted where present on documents in the collection. Un-redacted originals, in all cases, have been retained by Special Collections and Archives.

Preferred Citation

Kent State University May 4 Visitors Center records. May 4 Collection. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Subject Headings

The following subjects are found in this collection:

Subjects:

• Kent State Shootings, Kent, Ohio, 1970
• Kent State Shootings, Kent, Ohio, 1970--Anniversaries, etc.
• Kent State University--Buildings--History
• Student movements - Ohio - Kent
• May 4 Memorial (Kent, Ohio)
• Kent State University. May 4 Visitors Center
• Kent State University. Taylor Hall

Persons:

• Davis, Laura L.
• Lewis, Jerry M. (Jerry Middleton), 1937-

Organizations/Corporations:

• Kent State University. May 4 Task Force

Functions:

• Universities and colleges--Administration

Places:

• Kent (Ohio)

Material Types:

• Administrative records
• Announcements
• Architectural drawings (visual works)
• Audiovisual materials
• Brochures
• Budgets
• Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
• Contracts
• Correspondence
• Fliers (printed matter)
• Grant proposals
• Proposals
• Questionnaires

Detailed Description of the Collection