HISTORIC TRIANGLE — “Ten Questions with” is a series that allows readers to get to know local business leaders, volunteers, and community members in the Historic Triangle.
This week, meet Jay Gaidmore.
What is your job title and description?
Marian and Alan McLeod Director of Special Collections in the Earl Gregg Swem Library at William & Mary. I manage the department in the William & Mary Libraries that collects, preserves, and makes accessible rare and special books from around the world, letters, diaries, photographs, and records of individuals, businesses, and organizations from primarily the Williamsburg area, Virginia, and the United States, and the archives that document the university’s history.
How do you interact with the local community?
We collect and preserve documents and other materials of historical interest that tell the story of the Williamsburg area. I also give talks about our library, special collections, and local, university, and Virginia history to patriotic societies, civic clubs, neighborhood groups, retirement communities, and schools, as well as provide tours of our special collections to these groups.
Who do you interact with in the local community?
I interact with K-12 and university students, university faculty, K-12 teachers, university alumni, genealogists, historians, churches, patriotic, civic, and professional societies, neighborhood associations, and retirement communities.
What is something about your job most people wouldn’t know about?
My job allows me to handle very rare and unique historical treasures, including letters written by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe, and first editions of such important books as Isaac Newton’s Principia, Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations, and Phillis Wheatley’s Poems on Various Subjects.
Also, since William & Mary is a public institution, the Swem Library is available for the community to use. The community can visit the library and use any database we subscribe to and check out books if they have a Williamsburg Regional Library card.
How do you define success?
When residents express their thanks and appreciation for us showing our historical treasures firsthand. When I accept a donation of historical materials from an individual, family, church, or organization and they are so appreciative that we are going to preserve these materials for future generations to enjoy and learn from, and that they will not end up in the trash bin. When descendants can explore their family’s history by seeing and touching the letters, diaries, ledgers, and documents that their ancestors created.
What is your most successful accomplishment to date?
One of the most interesting and exciting things that I have accomplished is acquiring a hand-drawn map of Jamestown Island during the Civil War, before the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5, 1862. The map includes detailed information on the Confederate fortifications as well as the geographical area and is believed to have been drawn by a Union scout or spy.
How long have you lived/worked in the Historic Triangle?
11 years as of July 2024.
What is your favorite part of being in the Historic Triangle?
The rich history from colonial times to the present, the various historical sites and museums, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, the opportunities to explore nature, and great restaurants.
What do you do for downtime/to relax?
I read, watch sports and television, spend time with my family and play with my dog.
What is the next step in your journey?
Retirement. I love working at William & Mary and enjoy living in the area, so if William & Mary will have me, I hope to be here for another decade or so.
Do you want to learn more about your community and the people who live and work in the Historic Triangle? We are looking for people with interesting jobs, super volunteers, or community leaders to showcase. Reach out to let us know if you (or someone you know) would like to be considered for Ten Questions.
