Dec 17, 2018
My guest today is Diana Bowers-Smith. Diana is the first archivist
I’ve had as a guest on my podcast and after my conversation with
her, I’d say its about time!! Diana works as an archivist in the
Brooklyn Collection, Local History Division at the Brooklyn Public
Library. Her recent investigative research settled the debate of
the authenticity of the eagle statue that once marked the front
entrance of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn’s main newspaper for
over 100 years.
Diana graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Art History,
eventually moved back to NY and received two Masters from Pratt
Institute, one in Art History and the other in Library and
Information Science. There are numerous ways one can put a library
science degree to work, but what was transformational for Diana was
the public service aspect, at the heart of library science. Public
service is as the heart of her devotion, as well as her genuine
curiosity and refreshing thirst for knowledge. For example, listen
to how Diana describes the history, lure and charm of Greenwood
Cemetery! I learn something new whenever I am in her presence.
Check out the show notes for links to Diana’s Brooklyn Public
Library (BPL) work, her monthly blogs and check the BPL events
calendar for the dates that Diana gives monthly tours of the
Brooklyn Central Library - a national historic landmark. Last week,
I featured guitarist, Perry
Smith,
Diana’s husband. You’ll hear how they both use their personal and
professional platforms to help advance social justice and the
causes they care about.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG: @brooklyncollection
Twitter: @brooklynology
www.bklynlibrary.org/brooklyncollection
the blog: brooklynology.org