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March/April 2008
Spotlight on Staff: G. David Anderson
Working as University archivist, G. David Anderson has learned many secrets about GW throughout the years.
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By Jill Lindstrom
The old saying, “You learn something new every day” rings especially true for G. David Anderson, University archivist. Surrounded by papers, publications, photographs, and three generations of mascot heads, among other artifacts, Anderson makes discoveries each day while working to document the history of the institution.
Anderson has been with GW for more than 20 years. In addition to managing the University archives, he is developing an online encyclopedia of GW and Foggy Bottom history, writing articles about GW’s past, and recording oral histories. He also lectures on GW and Foggy Bottom history. “GW has a fascinating history, which is interwoven with that of Washington, the United States, and the world,” he says.
Q: What is the most valuable piece in the archives?
A: Well, we have the photographic collection, the Board of Trustees meeting minutes going back to 1821—handwritten, of course—all of The Cherry Tree yearbooks, and almost all the bulletins. We have Commencement programs going back to the early 1900s, almost every issue of The Hatchet since 1904, The Weekly Columbian student paper before that, and the Columbian Call from the 1890s. We have the papers of Luther Rice, who is credited as the founder of the University, and presidents’ papers going back to William Staughton—GW’s first president. The most valuable piece is hard to say, but, as a group, these are the important ones.
Q: What is the most unusual artifact?
A: GW had a football team from 1890 to 1966. There was one gentleman, who played in the early 1950s, whose family gave his materials to us, including not only a football, jersey, blanket, and shoes but also his contact lenses! This was in the 1950s—they’re bulky and huge! He was legally blind and played guard. We have a lot of unusual things, but that stands out.
Q: Which U.S. presidential candidate would you like to have lunch with?
A: Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, the two frontrunners and two people that I like. They are both fascinating individuals. I enjoy politics and stay up half the night during elections!
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: My wife, Blanche, and I go to 30 GW basketball games per year, both men’s and women’s. I also love photography and have been doing that since the ’60s. I have had some photos published, and I’d like to have a show. In addition, I like to play several instruments: the trombone, guitar, and recorders—but some instruments drive my wife crazy!
Q: Name the most exciting place you’ve traveled.
A: Oh, that’s hard to say—we love to travel! We’ve been to Scandinavia: Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Bergen, and Oslo. I love Scandinavia and could live there in a heartbeat! We’ve been to Australia, Canada, and around the United States, including Hawaii, and Europe a few times. We’ve also been on about eight cruises.
Q: What do you order when you go to a bar?
A: I order something with bourbon, a margarita, or a black Russian. Those are my three favorites.
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu
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