We are proud to introduce the first in a series of FSU Heritage Protocol Throwback T-Shirts. The inaugural T-shirt contains the image of the first “Seminoles” logo, circa 1948-1955. This is a rarely used “vaulted” copyrighted image and special permission had to be obtained from FSU NCAA licensing for its reproduction on this shirt. The manufacturer of the shirts, FSU alum Mike Rupp, owner of RuppShirts of Tallahassee, as well as the various merchants that are selling the shirt have agreed to donate a portion of the sale of every T-shirt to Heritage Protocol. The shirt is currently available at the Seminole Bookstore, the Seminole Sportshop at Doak Campbell Stadium, Bill’s Bookstore, and Garnet and Gold. It is also available online through each of these retailer’s websites. Show your support for Heritage Protocol by purchasing one of these unique T-shirts!
WE STILL WANT YOUR STUFF!!!
And leave the driving to us...
Heritage Protocol still wants your stuff! While our collection is steadily growing, we still have a long way to go for an institution that is over 150 years old. Possibly it is because we are a university made up of first generation college students, or it could be as a result of our disjointed, multi-institutional history; whatever the reason, FSU is not where it should be with regard to the size of the collection (relative to our age). This is true with our administrative and faculty records, but it is especially true when it comes to alumni related artifacts. It is part and parcel of our mission that Heritage Protocol chronicles the history of the student population while at FSU. This is accomplished by documenting the student experience through the donations of items by our alumni as well as through friends and relatives of alumni. How many attics in and around Tallahassee (and elsewhere) have items appropriate for our collection? How many items have we already lost because people were/are just not aware of Heritage Protocol and its mission? It would be nice just to say that we have a lot of catching up to do, but the fact of the matter is we have lost too much already. As a result we must redouble our efforts to build up the collection, as well as make people aware of our mission. And the bottom line is we want it all.
Don’t think the items you have are insignificant, or trivial, or silly, or personal. If they are related to your FSU experience, then they are appropriate for the collection. Remember, it is the items that people thought were insignificant and that survived that are the rarest of all. Everyone saved the commemorative program, but few saved the seating chart, or ticket, or menu, etc., for the event. So, when it doubt, DON’T THROW IT OUT, send it to Heritage Protocol. And if you reside in the panhandle or big bend region, don’t worry about how to get it to us, we will make arrangements to pick your donations up. So the reality is, there is no excuse to not share your memories with the rest of the university community!
It is hoped that, in time, more and more people will come to know about Heritage Protocol and its mission. And as we collect more and more materials, and the collection grows, hopefully it will help inspire and facilitate research into the history of our institution by our current student population. The fact that we now have the Mary Lou Norwood Reading Room on the second floor of Strozier Library should indicate to today’s students the importance of our legacy and heritage. This new Reading Room is a place for alumni and students alike to utilize and enjoy the resources that we have in the collection. Because of a more public profile, possibly our graduates will be imbued with an understanding of our history and its importance, and once they understand the purpose, they will naturally know to one day offer their papers, photographs, memorabilia, and other artifacts to the university so as to preserve their personal heritage through the items that they acquired and which were important in their memory of FSU.
Make no mistake about it, we want your stuff.
Heritage Protocol Photograph Database
The Heritage Protocol Photograph Database is up and running! The database, a DigiTool site is being hosted by the Florida Center for Library Automation.
A large number of the photographs in the general collection have very little accompanying information. If you have any information to provide regarding a photograph, such as names, dates or landmark information, please contact the Heritage Protocol Archivist.
Finally, please consider donating your photographs for inclusion in the database. The more perspectives we are able to offer, the more richly texture the narrative that will be portrayed through the database.
Heritage Protocol Mission Statement
The mission of the FSU Heritage Protocol is to locate, identify, record, assist in the preservation of, and promote knowledge about the heritage of Florida State University and its predecessor institutions. Students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and friends have expressed this heritage through published, unpublished, audio, and visual materials, memorabilia and ceremonial objects.
Femina Perfecta. Light flash. Prune whip. Odd Dem, Even Dem and Junior Minstrels. Convocation and "This announcement comes from 'Judiciary.'" Freshman dorms, Sophomore Council, Junior Counselors and Senior Hall. Panhellenic Sing and the Glee Club's Christmas Vespers. "Darn it, I'm cold." Dr. Lidell's sputter, Dr. Bellamy's Odd cap under his fedora, Dr. Richards and "my wife Hazel." F Club goats with their upside-down letters. May Day. Torch Night. Breakfast in raincoats over pajamas. Thanksgiving Day, Odd/ Even games and a turkey on every table. That huge organ playing "Pomp and Circumstance."
What does it all mean? It means that the Heritage Protocol website is planning on creating an encyclopedia of FSU history and culture. Are there phrases, terms and slang specific your years at FSU? Sayings that would only mean something to those who lived here during that era? Are there axioms and idioms that are nearly lost forever if you don't save them? Or is there a term, specific to FSU with an unknown origin or meaning that you would like to know more about? Please contact Eddie Woodward at 850-645-7988 or by e-mail with a term or encyclopedia entry.
