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Caverns of Memory: Erin McBrien’s Archival Journey
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In today's episode, I speak with Erin McBrien, Interim Curator at the Upper Midwest Literary Archives (University of Minnesota), to explore the fascinating world behind preserving our collective stories.
Highlights:
- Step inside a real-life treasure vault: 80 feet underground in limestone caverns(!) where priceless historical materials are preserved
- From famous horror magazines to immigrant stories: Erin shares her path from South Dakota to becoming the guardian of Midwestern literary history
- Learn why preserving "ordinary" people's stories matters just as much as famous authors
- Discover how my research for both my family and the other people of the Eastland will find a permanent, accessible home at UMLA
- Explore the challenges of preserving digital history in an AI age (and why that matters to all of us)
- Find out why you don't need to be a scholar to access these amazing collections - they're for everyone!
Fun Facts:
- The archive is housed in underground caverns with perfect temperature and humidity control
- Erin worked with materials from Forrest Ackerman, the legendary founder of Famous Monsters magazine (I had a total fan moment about this!)
- The collections include everything from handwritten letters to protest materials to adoption records
- Every piece of history they preserve becomes publicly accessible - no gatekeeping here
Quote of the Episode: "There is no point to us saving this if people do not engage with it." - Erin McBrien
Whether you're a history buff, writer, researcher, or just curious about the stories that shape our communities, this episode offers a glimpse into how we ensure important histories aren't lost to time.
Links:
- Upper Midwest Literary Archives
- Robert Bly
- John Berryman
- Carol Bly
- Forrest J Ackerman
- Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
- LinkTree: @zettnatalie | Linktree
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
- YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
- Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
- The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
- Other music. Artlist
View all episodes
By Natalie ZettSend us a text
In today's episode, I speak with Erin McBrien, Interim Curator at the Upper Midwest Literary Archives (University of Minnesota), to explore the fascinating world behind preserving our collective stories.
Highlights:
- Step inside a real-life treasure vault: 80 feet underground in limestone caverns(!) where priceless historical materials are preserved
- From famous horror magazines to immigrant stories: Erin shares her path from South Dakota to becoming the guardian of Midwestern literary history
- Learn why preserving "ordinary" people's stories matters just as much as famous authors
- Discover how my research for both my family and the other people of the Eastland will find a permanent, accessible home at UMLA
- Explore the challenges of preserving digital history in an AI age (and why that matters to all of us)
- Find out why you don't need to be a scholar to access these amazing collections - they're for everyone!
Fun Facts:
- The archive is housed in underground caverns with perfect temperature and humidity control
- Erin worked with materials from Forrest Ackerman, the legendary founder of Famous Monsters magazine (I had a total fan moment about this!)
- The collections include everything from handwritten letters to protest materials to adoption records
- Every piece of history they preserve becomes publicly accessible - no gatekeeping here
Quote of the Episode: "There is no point to us saving this if people do not engage with it." - Erin McBrien
Whether you're a history buff, writer, researcher, or just curious about the stories that shape our communities, this episode offers a glimpse into how we ensure important histories aren't lost to time.
Links:
- Upper Midwest Literary Archives
- Robert Bly
- John Berryman
- Carol Bly
- Forrest J Ackerman
- Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
- LinkTree: @zettnatalie | Linktree
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
- YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
- Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
- The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
- Other music. Artlist