Through a hands-on summer internship in Special Collections and College Archives, Zee Dawson ’29 engaged with historical perspectives and preservation, while expanding creativity and communication skills.
Zee Dawson ’29 carefully lifts the lid on a gray archival storage box. With anticipation, Dawson peers inside for a first glimpse of its contents. They gently lift out a copy of the music score to Victor Herbert’s “Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life” from the 1910 operetta “Naughty Marietta,” preserved inside a protective sleeve for decades to come.
These hands-on experiences with history are what Dawson, an anthropology major and music minor from Sykesville, Maryland, believes makes an education at Gettysburg College so multidimensional.
Supported by the Diane Werley Smith ’73 Special Collections Summer Internship Fund, Dawson’s internship experience in Musselman Library offered an opportunity to blend research, creativity, and communication with the work of public history. In doing so, Dawson learned more about the processes librarians, archivists, conservators, and public historians undertake to preserve, for perpetuity, the stories and memories behind the rare and unique items housed within Special Collections.
Zee Dawson ’29 studies the cover of a music score to Victor Herbert’s “Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life” from the 1910 operetta “Naughty Marietta.”
During the summer, Dawson and fellow interns—Cassidy Budge ’27, Thomas Geuther ’29, and Ainsley Green ’27—were guided and mentored by College Archivist Amy Lucadamo ’00, Director of Special Collections and College Archives Carolyn Sautter, Digital Initiatives Librarian R.C. Miessler, and Conservator Mary Wootton. The interns explored the organization, preservation, and description of manuscript collections; rare book cataloging; book and paper conservation; and digital projects.
While learning about the work involved in caring for rare books, Dawson had the chance to make a book using professional bookbinding materials and techniques.
Zee Dawson ’29 displays the cover of “Black Hole Fantasy.”
“It was super interesting and super cool,” Dawson said. “We folded the papers, cut everything, made our covers, and it was a full process.
Dawson recognizes the practical and creative applications of this work for future careers. “I think it’s important to have a mark of your own and make it clear what you do to show your own lasting impact on something. Getting to choose the titles and the cloth we’re covering the titles with…each of ours reflects our personality. It was very interesting to see the creative process behind that,” Dawson said.
Dawson also recalls several unique experiences during the internship. These include working as part of the summer intern team to examine materials related to the U.S. Army Signal Corps, which provided key communications for the Army of the Potomac during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. This comprehensive digital project served as a culmination of their work throughout the summer.
Reflecting on the internship experience, Dawson has gained a greater understanding of how people perceive information and interact with objects, like books, they encounter in everyday life.
“We learned how to organize and present information in a way that will make sense to other people. Looking at future jobs, knowing how to present information in the most concise way possible and in a way that makes sense to the broadest amount of people is a skill that’s really important,” Dawson said.
For Dawson, coming to Gettysburg College meant finding what was familiar and seeking what is new to pursue intellectual curiosities. Two years ago when thinking about colleges, Dawson knew she wanted to attend a school close to home and one with a marching band.
“I came to Get Acquainted Day. I had not committed at that point. I went to the public history seminar, and I walked out and said, ‘This is where I’m going to college,’” Dawson said. “I like the small town, the campus, and the people. All the professors I met that day were willing to talk to me about my interests and where I could see myself here. Get Acquainted Day was my absolute yes; I wanted to be here.”
Ainsley Green ’27, Thomas Geuther ’29, and Zee Dawson ’29 explore a collection of sheet music from Special Collections.
Since beginning a Gettysburg education in 2025, Dawson’s music theory classes and introductory archaeology and anthropology classes have been standouts. “They really helped me settle in and know that this is what I’m interested in. My professors have been active and engaging, and I really enjoy taking their classes,” Dawson said.
Looking ahead to the 2026-2027 academic year, Dawson is looking forward to continued courses in archaeology and anthropology, particularly a topic seminar on evolution taught by Anthropology Prof. Kirby Farah. They are also leaning into environmental studies with a course on GIS (Geographic Information System) and paleobiology.
Among co-curricular activities, Dawson is eager to participate as a percussionist in the Bullets Marching Band at home football games this fall. Within the Sunderman Conservatory of Music, Dawson participates in the Wind Symphony, Concert Choir, and Percussion Ensemble.
In addition, Dawsom also enjoys rock climbing through Gettysburg’s Climbing Club, leading components of the Half Sole Dance Company, and working in the College’s Costume Shop.
Dawson’s fearless approach to trying new things and seeking opportunities to keep learning has inspired them to pursue a career where they can help educate others.
“It’s very important for me to teach people about different things. I spent a lot of my life engaging in minor political activism on a local level, and that has taught me a lot,” Dawson said. “I would like to continue to educate people because I think having the most perspectives available and being able to form an empathetic and informed opinion is a good skill to have.”
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By Michael Vyskocil
Photos by Tyler Caruso
Posted: 09/17/26