In a landmark achievement, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections (ASC) has completed the digitization of nearly 500 speech transcripts used by Neil Armstrong, making them available for public access. The transcripts, donated by Carol Armstrong in 2011, span 7,700 pages and are now accessible via Purdue’s e-Archives platform.
These transcripts offer valuable insights into Armstrong’s public speaking career, with many annotated by Armstrong himself. His comments, jokes, and changes to word or phrase order provide added context and a personal touch to the speeches. Jo Otremba, the Barron Hilton Archivist for Flight and Space Exploration and clinical assistant professor at Purdue, noted, “He often added notes on the speeches sharing the date and location the speech was given, which is an interesting feature for the readers to consider.”
Armstrong’s Legacy: A Public Resource for Research and Education
The Neil Armstrong papers continue to be one of ASC’s most requested collections, serving both research and instructional purposes. The digitization project, which began in 2022 and was funded by the Purdue Research Foundation and Carol Armstrong, ensures that these historical documents are accessible to the public.
“This project highlights the continuous effort required to make these resources accessible, and it’s wonderful to celebrate the speeches’ public availability through our e-Archives,” said Otremba. This initiative has involved significant collaboration across various departments and teams within Purdue University, including graduate assistant Camryn Beeman, Archivist for Digital Collections and Initiatives Neal Harmeyer, and the Purdue Libraries’ Digital Programs team.
Exploring Purdue’s Archives: A Treasure Trove of History
Purdue University Archives and Special Collections is home to many historically significant documents and records. The department, located within Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies, is dedicated to identifying, collecting, preserving, and making accessible research records and papers of lasting value.
With the digitization of Neil Armstrong’s speeches, the Archives continues to serve as a critical resource for those studying space exploration, leadership, and history. Interested individuals can view the Armstrong collection and many other resources by visiting Purdue’s e-Archives.
For more information, visit lib.purdue.edu/spcol.
By attending the Healthy Boiler Fair or exploring Purdue’s rich Archives and Special Collections, faculty, staff, and the community can take full advantage of the opportunities available for personal growth, health, and historical learning at Purdue University.
Exciting Door Prizes
To make the event even more engaging, a variety of door prizes will be up for grabs, courtesy of the vendors. Prizes include:
- Two tickets to any Purdue Convocations show
- A backpack cooler
- Purdue merchandise
- A waterproof speaker and more
These prizes serve as an added incentive for employees to attend and participate in the event.
Wellness at the Core: The Five Pillars of the Healthy Boiler Program
The fair’s focus aligns with Purdue’s Healthy Boiler Wellness Program, which is based on five core pillars:
- Behavioral Health: Addressing mental health, stress management, and emotional well-being.
- Financial Wellness: Providing tools and resources to improve financial literacy and security.
- Physical Health: Encouraging physical activity, healthy eating, and preventive care.
- Social Wellness: Promoting community engagement and strong interpersonal connections.
- Work-Life Integration: Helping employees balance professional and personal life effectively.
Each vendor and program at the event will align with at least one of these pillars, ensuring that the resources provided support the overall health of Purdue employees.
Why You Should Attend
As open enrollment for 2025 benefits approaches—running from October 29 to November 12, 2024—the fair provides a timely opportunity for employees to get answers to their benefits-related questions. The tagline for Purdue’s benefits initiative, “Your Benefits. Your Choices. Your Well-Being,” underscores the importance of personalized health and wellness choices.
Candace Shaffer adds, “We hope the fair will be well attended and that it encourages our employees to engage more deeply with the comprehensive benefits package available to them. The timing of the event is perfect for those looking to make informed decisions during open enrollment.”
The Healthy Boiler Fair is not only a chance for employees to explore their benefits but also a key event that highlights Purdue’s commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy workplace environment.
