The Preservation of a Unique Institution: A Chronicle of the Central Missouri State University Archives/Museum

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the history of the Central Missouri State University Archives/Museum from the beginning until the present day. This thesis will show how the Archives/Museum provided a center of learning to the campus and the Warrensburg community. The Museum survived through years of neglect and indifference. The Museum's long history displays the tenacity of individuals concerned with the preservation of the Museum. The Archives followed a similar route through its years of misuse and neglect. The Archives/Museum merged formally in 1992. Fortunately, there were individuals who recognized the potential of an Archives and Museum combination.

Research conducted for this thesis provided a unique opportunity to delve into the history of Central Missouri State University. The collection of The Student and Muleskinner newspapers and numerous memoranda were the bulk of this thesis source material. During the course of this research several Museum artifacts were discovered. Results of this thesis provide a history of the University's Archives/Museum.