UTA Libraries Hosts 12th Biennial Virginia Garrett Lectures, Opens ‘Searching for Africa’ Exhibit

Historians, cartographers, and map enthusiasts from around the world joined the University of Texas at Arlington Libraries for the 2021 Virginia Garrett Lectures Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.

The 2021 Virginia Garrett Lectures, called “Coordinating Cartographic Collections” launched the Searching for Africa exhibit in UTA Libraries Special Collections, featuring 190 items depicting the African continent dating back to the 15^th century. Many of these items represent a portion of the more than 500 pieces donated by distinguished alumnus Dr. Jack Franke.

“We are honored to again host the Virginia Garrett Lectures in 2021—for the first time in a hybrid format!” said Brenda McClurkin, department head for UTA Libraries Special Collections. “This event is culmination of Dr. Franke’s gratitude to the University and the complex, passionate work undertaken to build his map collection. The presentations offered throughout the program provided significant insight into cartography of the African continent, African history, and the application of cartography in the study of art—just to name a few.”

This event also served as a joint meeting with International Cartographic Association Commission on the History of Cartography, headed by Dr. Imre Demhart, and the Texas Map Society, led by Ann Hodges.

The Searching for Africa exhibit was the cornerstone of this year’s Virginia Garrett Lectures and has been in the works for nearly four years. Cartographic Archivist Ben Huseman says he collaborated with Franke to cultivate a robust collection that was both representative of the diversity of the UTA campus and community as well as reflective of the complex history that Texas shares with the African continent.

“This collection of African maps is possibly the largest of its kind in Texas and only growing as Dr. Franke continues to generously donate to his alma mater,” Huseman said. “We hope that students, faculty, and community members will take this opportunity to visit Special Collections—even if for the first time—and experience the many ways we are all connected through cartography.”

Franke gave the keynote address, “A Grateful Maverick,” on Oct. 1, which was attended by Provost Dr. Pranesh Aswath and Dean of Libraries Rebecca Bichel.

“The knowledge that you’re given at a university is invaluable, if you really apply yourself,” Franke said. “I had a professor here [who]…was a trailblazer. And he never told me any of the incredible things he did in the military.

“He set up the Russian program at UTA and took us to study abroad in so many countries. That built my career—he set me up for success. That deserves more than a ‘thank you.’”

Franke hopes that other alumni will reflect on their time at UTA and remember the passion that was fostered while in Maverick Country—and consider what they will leave behind.

“Enthusiasm can’t be taught, but enthusiasm can be caught,” Franke said. “If I can contribute a small part, that’s important—it has power. We have to leave to a legacy for future generations.”

Searching for Africa will be open through January 5, 2022.

UTA Libraries Special Collections was founded in 1974, the direct result of a gift by Jenkins and Virginia Garrett. Located on the sixth floor of Central Library, Special Collections houses a number of collections, ranging from Texas history to cartography to Spanish language archives to notable photograph collections from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and commercial photographers W.D. Smith, Jack White, Squire Haskins, and Basil Clemons. Additional collecting areas include the Texas Labor Archives, University Archives, the Texas Political History Collection, and the Texas Disability History Collection. Researchers can learn more about Special Collections and the services we offer researchers on our website.