Exploring the Eyes of North Texas: A Student Intern’s Journey in Archival Processing

The purpose of The Compass Rose is to raise awareness of Special Collections' resources and to foster the use of these resources. The blog series also reports significant new programs, initiatives, and acquisitions of Special Collections. This post was guest written by Special Collections intern Kylie Wirig-Walker.

As a student intern at The University of Texas at Arlington’s Special Collections, my journey into the world of archives has been nothing short of transformative. Having completed a full year of graduate-level coursework in Archives I and II, I’ve immersed myself in archival theory and hands-on practice, learning the principles that guide the preservation and accessibility of historical records. This summer, my internship has allowed me to apply these skills in a meaningful way, particularly through processing the culturally significant The Eyes of North Texas Radio Program collection, donated by the former host’s daughter, Leslie Steele.

A Foundation in Archival Work

My academic background in archival studies provided a strong foundation for my internship. Through my coursework, I explored the theoretical basis of archives—why we preserve materials, how we organize them, and the ethical responsibilities of making them accessible. I had the opportunity to process smaller collections during my classes, creating finding aids and preparing materials for digital access. These experiences taught me the importance of meticulous organization, and the role archives play in preserving history for future generations.

Archives are more than just repositories of old documents; they are gateways to understanding our past. They provide researchers, students, and the public with direct access to primary sources that tell the stories of individuals, communities, and cultures. My work in Special Collections has reinforced my belief that archives are vital to education, offering tangible connections to history that inspire curiosity and scholarship.

Processing the Eyes of North Texas Collection

During my internship, I’ve focused on processing the TheEyes of North Texas Radio Program collection, a treasure trove of cultural and historical significance to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The collection, donated by Leslie Steele, consists of recordings from the radio program her mother, Adell Campbell hosted from 2005 to 2014. The program was a feature of the Reading and Radio Resource (formerly North Texas Taping and Radio for the Blind), a service founded in 1969 to enrich the lives of those with physical, learning, or vision impairments by providing access to information and entertainment.

Adell Campbell’s story is as compelling as the collection itself. Born in New York City in 1923, Adell attended NYU as a pre-law student until a car accident in 1941 forced her to leave school. She married her first husband in 1951, had her only daughter, and later divorced in 1961. In 1967, she married David Campbell, who passed away in 1978, the same year Adell ran an unsuccessful campaign for a Minnesota Senate seat. In 2005, Adell was invited to host The Eyes of North Texas, where she brought her passion for community engagement to the airwaves until the program’s discontinuation in 2014, due to a shift in listener preferences toward digital platforms like podcasts.

The Eyes of North Texas recordings capture a diverse range of voices and topics. Adell interviewed local and state politicians, election officials, historians, museum workers, UTA faculty and staff, and advocates for accessibility, offering listeners insights into local politics, history, and resources for those with visual impairments. A notable series from 2006 featured discussions with political figures, shedding light on the democratic process in North Texas. These recordings are a vibrant snapshot of the DFW community, preserving voices and stories that might otherwise have been lost.

Bringing History to Life

Processing this collection has been a rewarding challenge. My work involves utilizing an AI transcription and closed captioning service to create transcripts to provide better access for a broader audience. I then edit and reformat the transcripts to ensure they are clear, accurate, and user-friendly, making the episodes easy to read and navigate. Additionally, I create detailed metadata to ensure searchability and accessibility on the UTA Libraries Digital Archive. This process not only preserves the collection but also makes it available to a global audience, from researchers studying local history to community members seeking to reconnect with the past.

Working on the The Eyes of North Texas collection has deepened my appreciation for the role of archives in education and community engagement. By making these materials accessible, I’m helping to ensure that important local history is remembered and celebrated. 

The Power of Archives

My internship has shown me firsthand how archives serve as bridges between the past and the present. They empower students, researchers, and the public to engage with history in a direct, meaningful way. The Eyes of North Texas Radio Program collection, with its rich tapestry of voices and stories, exemplifies the importance of preserving local history. As I continue my work in Special Collections, I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this mission, ensuring that these invaluable resources remain accessible for generations to come.

For more information about the The Eyes of North Texas Radio Program collection, collection #DA11, or to explore other treasures in UTA’s Special Collections, visit UTA Libraries’ Special Collections.