January 5, 2006: Anderson Will Continue to Manage University Archives and Expand Upon Efforts to Record and Communicate History of GW and Foggy Bottom
WASHINGTON - G. David Anderson, The George Washington University archivist since 1987, has been named University historian, becoming only the third person to hold this title at GW. Anderson will continue to manage the University Archives, which is the official repository for the records of The George Washington University and the gateway to its past. His additional responsibilities as University historian include writing articles on GW's history, cultivating an oral history program, developing an online encyclopedia of GW and Foggy Bottom history, and teaching a course on the history of the University.
"David's work has provided all of us with a greater understanding of the swift progress of the institution and Foggy Bottom," said GW President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg. "He has been a dedicated member of the University community for almost 20 years and is richly deserving of the University historian position."
In addition to maintaining the University Archives, Anderson also has been the team leader for Gelman Library's Department of Special Collections, co-curator of the GW Memorabilia Room, curator of multiple historic exhibitions, and contributor to the library's Web site. He also has played a major role in researching and cataloging the history of Foggy Bottom, including recording oral histories with Foggy Bottom residents and making copies of pictures and documents loaned to the University as part of an exhibition Anderson co-curated in 1996 called "Fantastic Foggy Bottom: The Growth of a Community."
"GW has a fascinating history that is interwoven with Washington, U.S., and world history," said Anderson. "Working with GW's administration, faculty, staff, alumni, and students, as well as Foggy Bottom residents, and writing, lecturing, and managing GW's archival heritage and exhibits provides a great deal of personal as well as professional satisfaction."
Anderson holds a B.S. degree in history and an M.A. degree in urban history from Georgia College and State University. He received an M.S. in library and information science from Florida State University and a certificate of advanced studies at the University of Denver. Prior to joining GW, Anderson worked at Colgate University, Columbus State University, and regional libraries in Dublin, Ga.
Anderson follows Peter Hill as University historian. Hill, an emeritus professor of history and 
international affairs, came to GW in 1957 as a teaching fellow and was appointed University historian in 1996. The longest-tenured University historian was Elmer Louis Kayser. Kayser served the University for more than 50 years in a variety of positions, including professor of history, chair of the history department, dean of students, and University historian. During Kayser's time at GW, he published two books on the University's history, Bricks Without Straw (1971) and A Medical Center (1973). Kayser is credited with creating "Colonials" as the nickname for athletic teams at GW.
| back to University Archives Research Guide |
