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| Tatyana Oyinloye |
Q: What’s your job title, and how long have you worked at
the Arkansas State Archives?
A: I am the coordinator of the African American History Program.
I started here February 2, 2005, which is my oldest daughter’s birthday.
Q: What do you do on a typical day at Archives?
A: Researching , preparing for speaking
engagements, promoting and encouraging people to apply for a Curtis Sykes
grant, preparing for workshops and other duties as assigned.
Q: How did you become interested in Arkansas history or
working at the Arkansas State Archives?
A: I started here because I had experience in microfilm and
processing, which is where I originally started. Working here is where I found
my love for knowing my history and my connection here in Arkansas.
Q: What’s the most important or interesting thing you’ve
discovered while working at Archives? Why?
A: I discovered that we have a lifetime of untold
stories that people could not begin to imagine. It’s here, at the archives, that I was able to find a photo of my great-great grandfather in a book. Just
by doing some research, I stumbled upon it by accident.
Q: Why do you think the Arkansas State Archives is important
for Arkansans?
A: It preserves the history of Arkansas and its residents.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Being able to go to schools and talk to kids about
Arkansas African American history and make them aware of the legacy and legends
that came from our state. And, they are always so amazed, and it brings joy to
my heart that if I reached just one student, I have done my job.
Q: How do you see archiving evolving in the future?
A: Digitization is great, but nothing touches the
heart or soul more than touching an original document one of your ancestors held.
Q: What do you wish people knew about Archives?
A: What a wealth of information that is available for their
research purposes. It’s also a place where they can donate their legacy knowing
it will be here for generations to come.
