New Exhibit in Barbara A. Matheson Special Collections
Published: October 02, 2026 |
Author: Kierstin Holloway |
Read Time: 2 minutes
Southern Utah University's (SUU) Gerald R. Sherratt Library has opened a new student-curated exhibit with the Special Collections and University Archives. October is celebrated as American Archives Month with the goal of sharing the importance of the archives and histories they preserve. This year, Utah's theme is "Home in the Archives." Following this theme, the new exhibit is titled "Ever-Changing Connections: Finding Home in Southern Utah."
Student employees in SUU Special Collections and University Archives worked to curate the exhibit under the direction of Special Collections and Archives Librarian Kathleen Broeder, who served as the faculty advisor. The theme development, research, labels, exhibit layout, and installation were done by Grey Passey and Paige Roberts, while the graphic design was done by Karma Storrs.
"The exhibit asks visitors to ponder how they make 'home,' and build community as they explore the themes of choice, time, nostalgia, belonging, and place," said Broeder.
Featuring an interactive touch-screen display of music from different eras that demonstrates the different ways of understanding "home," the exhibit explores the themes of finding home through many unique ways. The items included in the exhibit are of varied historical and cultural significance, from historic games, bread recipes, and religious items to a cookie jar in the shape of the Old Rock Church in Parowan.
"This exhibit brings a cross-cultural and across-time approach to exploring what it means to find a home in Southern Utah. Whether you are a lifelong resident or newly arrived for school, you will find yourself reflected in the exhibit," said Broeder. "You will learn more about Southern Utah, create connections, and hopefully leave wanting to make your community more welcoming to others who also call Southern Utah home."
The exhibit also serves to let the Southern Utah community know they are welcome in the Special Collections and University Archives.
"The archives are an unknown treasure in Cedar City. We often get students who wander in, with no idea of what to expect in the space," said Broeder. "The exhibit creates a touchpoint for visitors to stop and explore a specific story, but also to get a feel for what else Special Collections and University Archives has for them to discover."
The Special Collections and University Archives are free and open to the public, and all are invited to explore the new exhibit and discover the collections.
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