Building Student Historians: A University Archives Research Apprenticeship Program

This session focuses on the development of a student historian program in the University Archives at Minnesota State University, Mankato. In 2024, the University Archives at Minnesota State University, Mankato participated in the Undergraduate Research Center’s Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP). The RAP provides students new to research with opportunities to collaborate with faculty and staff on mentored research, scholarly, and creative projects. Daardi Mixon, University Archivist will discuss the development and implementation of the RAP program within the archives and how library and university strategic plans were incorporated into the outcomes with a focus on high-impact learning practices and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals. Heidi Southworth, Digital Initiatives Librarian will discuss the Minnesota Digital Library Wikimedia project and how it was used as a foundation for the RAP. Jamison Vierstraete, senior undergraduate student will share his experiences in the RAP and how it helped advance his research and collaboration skills. The presenters will also share how they implemented the program as part of an internship.