Purdue Libraries to celebrate 100-year anniversary of the Clore Act
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Libraries and Purdue Extension will celebrate 100 years since the passing of a state act creating agricultural extension at the university with an exhibit chronicling its history.
"From Master Mix to Farming Tips" is on display through May 31 in the Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center, located on the fourth floor of the Humanities, Social Science and Education Library.
The exhibit contains materials such as striking photographs uncovered in Extension agent reports dating from the 1920s; colorful and vividly illustrated Extension publications; course announcements that provide a glimpse into what it was like to be in rural setting 100 years ago; and writings and manuscripts that reveal how the history of this important program unfolded.
The exhibit celebrates Women's History Month by highlighting the achievements of four women who made significant contributions to agricultural extension at Purdue: "the Queen of American Agriculture," Virginia Claypool Meredith; her adopted daughter and founding dean of the School of Home Economics, Mary Lockwood Matthews; the first state leader of home demonstration agents, Lella Gaddis; and Eva Goble, former home demonstration agent and dean of the School of Home Economics. The exhibit is sponsored by Purdue Extension.
In 1911 the Clore Act established a Department of Agricultural Extension at Purdue. With this act, subject specialists at Purdue were formally tasked with the responsibility of "extending" new research to those living in rural areas.
Hours for the Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
Writer: Amanda Sliepka, 765-496-3006, asliepka@purdue.edu
Source: Stephanie Schmitz, exhibit curator and special projects archivist, 765-494-2904, sschmit@purdue.edu