Time Machines
What is the Time Machines project?
Launched in 2023 by the Archives and Special Collections, this program offers five Seton Hall University students each year the chance to explore a wide variety of materials, including objects, rare books, periodicals, manuscripts, prints, clothing, relics, paintings, pottery, tools, and more. Students create projects that showcase the importance, relevance, and appeal of these materials using contemporary media. Throughout the process, participants collaborate closely with Archives and Special Collections staff as well as a faculty mentor, refining their research and analytical skills while gaining foundational knowledge in archival practices and procedures.
How does the Time Machines project benefit students?
This project is part of an ongoing effort to engage students with the invaluable artifacts held in the Special Collections center. Students selected for the Time Machines Project receive a $1,000 stipend upon completion, and their projects serve as valuable portfolio pieces for future scholarship, fellowship, and employment opportunities.
Where can students explore Archives & Special Collections resources?
To find materials in special collections you might want to work with, search our online portals:
- Archivesspace contains detailed inventories of archival collections called finding aids
- Google Arts and Culture & Walsh Gallery Collections shares materials in our museum collections
- Preservica contains our digitized, or born-digital collections, including archived websites, sound and video recordings
How can students apply?
Students must submit a brief proposal with the support of a faculty member here: Time Machines Application
What is required of accepted students?
Accepted students are required to:
- attend an orientation
- provide monthly research updates to their faculty advisor
- submit a final project to their faculty advisor and Archives & Special Collections
- present their projects at the Petersheim Academic Exposition
Project formats include but are not limited to:
- websites
- podcasts
- infographics
- visual or written art
- short films
- academic papers intended for publication
Regardless of format, all projects must include a list of references with a minimum of three scholarly sources.
Time Machines projects must be wholly separate from any other assignments or academic work.
Timeline (2025-2026)
October 10: Deadline to submit a proposal
October 24: Accepted students will be announced
November 3: Projects will begin
March 13: First drafts due to faculty advisor
April 10: Final projects due
End of April (TBD): Students to present at Petersheim
Important links
Video: Time Machines Information Session Recording
Questions?
Please contact archives@shu.edu or visit us at our reception area in the Gallery on the first floor of Walsh Library. The hours of operation are Mon-Fri from 9am-5pm.
“Too often, students do not encounter special collections materials until late in their studies. With this support, students will have the opportunity to encounter rare and historic objects and deploy the skills they are learning in their classes in a way that they can take with them into a variety of careers,” says Sarah Ponichtera, Assistant Dean of Special Collections and the Gallery.