People
August 24, 2011
MARBL names curator of modern political and historical collections
Randy Gue is the project archivist of the Robert W. Woodruff papers.
Woodruff archivist takes on two roles at MARBL
By Maureen McGavin
Randy Gue, project archivist of the Robert W. Woodruff papers, has been named to two positions in the Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library (MARBL): curator of modern political and historical collections and instruction specialist for primary source materials.
As curator of modern political and historical collections, he will acquire archives, manuscripts and other materials that document modern American and Southern history and modern American politics. As instruction specialist for primary source materials, he will coordinate MARBL's expanding instruction program.
"Randy's academic work in history and urban studies has prepared him well to help MARBL build on its longstanding strengths in local and regional history and to help us acquire collections in civil rights, conflict resolution and other areas," says Ginger Cain, interim director of MARBL. "In addition, his gift for storytelling will bring a new dimension to sessions in which Emory students are introduced to primary source research and given access to our unique collections."
Gue recently served as the curator of the Schatten Gallery's successful exhibition "The Future Belongs to the Discontented: The Life & Legacy of Robert W. Woodruff," presented by The Coca-Cola Company. During the exhibition's eight-month run, he gave group tours to nearly 700 people.
"Randy's combination of deep knowledge and passion for Atlanta's history and regional Southern history and politics make for a wonderful match in this position," says Rick Luce, vice provost and director of the Emory Libraries.
"The way in which Randy interpreted the Woodruff story against the backdrop of Atlanta and American history is but one recent example that tells us what talents he will bring to his new role with MARBL. His curatorial responsibilities will allow him to reach out to local and regional communities and share MARBL with them."
"This is my dream job," Gue says, who has worked in MARBL for 13 years. "I am enthralled with the history of Atlanta and the South. MARBL's historical collections document the transformation of the South from a region that was considered backwards and out of step with the rest of the nation into a political and economic powerhouse. I am also passionate about getting MARBL's rare materials into the classroom. The opportunity for students to encounter our distinctive materials in the classroom is one of the unique aspects of the Emory experience."
