Found it in the Archives 2016
We are delighted to announce the winner of Oberlin's 2016 "Found it in the Archives" competition, Lucy Cipinko! Lucy is a sophomore at Oberlin High School. Her winning essay is shared below. Her essay will be submitted to the state competition happening later this year. 
When I was 13 years old I had my first experience at an historical archives. I was looking for
research to write a National History Day paper, and my quest brought me to the Oberlin College
Archives, located a short drive from my house. I was facing the turmoil of moving from childhood
to adolescence, along with trying to figure out who I am, and what my passions were. I remember
the first time walking in and finding a quiet room lined with books and filled with friendly people
ready to help me. From that point on, my thirst for knowledge grew and this year marks my third
year entering the National History Day competition. Tying local history into the national theme is a
great motivator to continue searching the amazing resources at the Oberlin College Archives.
I love going to the archives looking for more and more information on my town and the
people who lived here before me. This year, my research brought me to find Mary Church Terrell.
Terrell was a prominent African American woman whose life spanned from the year of the
emancipation proclamation to just after the Brown vs. Board of education decision. The archives
provided file after file of information on her, and as I read, the more I became immersed in her
truly fascinating life. She was active in every major movement involving race or gender of the
1900’s. Terrell lived to be 90 years old and her accomplishments equal those of famous activists of
her time.
My fondest memory during my research at the archives was exploring documents hand
written by Terrell and realizing that these words were 100 years old. They have survived, and still
stand strong even though they have existed through countless wars and conflicts. This is what
history is to me something that can never be forgotten, something that is so strong and important
that even the tiniest handwritten letters can inspire a young woman like myself to make a
difference in my world.
I think that my experiences delving into the world of archives has not only given me a new
interest in my town, and its rich diverse history, but has also really allowed me to blossom as a
person and find the kind of people and work that I feel kindred too. History has become a part of
me, and archives have become a second home.
Registration Information
The Oberlin College Archives and Oberlin Heritage Center will host a local “I Found It In The Archives” contest this spring! Interested contestants should have visited the Oberlin College Archives or Oberlin Heritage Center to conduct research. Entrants can submit either a 400 word essay or a 2-minute video describing their quest for information and how it has made a difference in their lives. The entry should also include a color photograph of the researcher.
Entries should be sent to Ken Grossi, Oberlin College Archivist, at [email protected] by April 30. Judging will take place during May. Local winners will receive a prize and can then participate in the state contest, organized by the Society of Ohio Archivists. Questions? Email Liz Schultz ([email protected]) or Ken Grossi ([email protected]).
Rules and Registration Forms in Word
Rules and Registration Forms in PDF
