Seely’s presentation, “Research and the Historian’s Craft: Excursions from the Archives to the World Wide Web,” will address the changing role of libraries, archives, and the Internet in his historical research.
“Over the past 35 years I have been explored several different topics in history of technology,” said Seely. “The subjects of enduring interest to me have included the iron and steel industry, the history of transportation, and the history of engineering education.” Seely’s talk will explore the evolution of these projects and some of the twists and turns encountered in the process of historical research in various locations and settings. Through these experiences, Seely will highlight how historical research happens and the resulting process of historical interpretation.
Before becoming dean of the College of Sciences and Arts in 2008, Seely spent 22 years as a professor in Michigan Tech’s Department of Social Sciences, including six years as department chair. He has taught courses in history of technology, as well in American history, Western Civilization, history of science, and science and technology studies. Recently he has helped develop Michigan Tech’s undergraduate minor and graduate certificate in nanoscale science and engineering, developing a course in the societal implications of nanotechnology.
The event is the first in the library’s events series “Nexus: the Scholar and the Library” which illuminate ways scholars and scientists productively use libraries and archives. It is open to the public and is sponsored by the Van Pelt and Opie Library. Join us for free refreshments. For further information: (906) 487-2500, library@mtu.edu or www.mtu.edu/library
Michigan Tech chemical engineers in the unit operations laboratory, ca. 1960