First Fridays: Conversations from UMN's Archives and Special Collections

First Fridays: Matters of the Heart

Let’s talk about love! From love letters to break up letters, the course of true love never did run smooth. Join us for the 2024-2025 season of First Fridays as we share matters of the heart from collections across Archives and Special Collections. The February program features presentations from the Upper Midwest Jewish Archives and the Archives and Special Collections.

Save the date! Event registration will open on Dec. 2.

Seeking NJB (Nice Jewish Boy)

Presented by Kate Dietrick, Archivist, Upper Midwest Jewish Archives

Making a match in the Jewish community has always been something worth singing about. From how to find that Nice Jewish Boy (or Girl) to professional matchmakers to debates over interfaith marriage, dating while Jewish is a spirited topic.

Unrequited Love: Looking at Love and Loss in the Archives

Presented by Rachel Weiher, Project Archivist, and Amy Gabbert, Project Assistant Archivist

Join us for a fascinating exploration of unrequited love through the University of Minnesota Archives and Special Collections. This presentation delves into a curated collection of poignant letters of rejection, heart-wrenching break-ups, and other personal correspondences that illuminate the complexities of unreciprocated affection. Discover the raw emotions and timeless themes captured in these historical documents, revealing the enduring impact of unfulfilled longing. This unique archive not only offers a window into the past but also prompts reflections on love’s universal struggles

About

First Fridays is a series of intellectually stimulating conversations from the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Minnesota Libraries. First Fridays is made possible by a generous gift from Governor Elmer L. Andersen and Mrs. Eleanor Andersen in honor of former University Librarian Dr. Edward B. Stanford.

Event details 

What:  First Fridays: Seeking NJB (Nice Jewish Boy) and Unrequited Love: Looking at Love and Loss in the Archives

When: Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 | Lunch at 11:30 a.m. | Presentations begin at noon 

Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library, room 120 and ONLINE | Parking and directions 

Notice of photography 

Photographs taken at the event may be used in University of Minnesota print and online publications, promotions, or shared with the Libraries community. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let the photographer know during the event! Thank you.