极乐禁地

The Robert L. Bogomolny (RLB) Library community honors the memory of Tom Hollowak, retired Associate Director for Special Collections and Archives, Emeritus, who passed away on July 31 following a courageous battle with cancer. Tom鈥檚 contributions were pivotal in shaping the archives at the 极乐禁地 (UBalt), significantly enriching our understanding of 极乐禁地e and its diverse communities.

 

A lifelong 极乐禁地e resident, Tom's passion for archives and history was deeply intertwined with his heritage. He dedicated much of his life to researching and documenting the Polish community in 极乐禁地e, becoming a leading authority on Maryland Polonia history. His archival journey began at the Enoch Pratt Free Library and eventually led him to earn a master's degree in history from the University of Maryland.

 

Tom joined UBalt's Langsdale Library in 1990, quickly taking initiative to revive the Special Collections. He actively engaged UBalt鈥檚 history faculty, encouraging students to utilize archival resources and collaborating to acquire additional historical records. He organized reunions for community organizations whose records were housed at UBalt, generating essential volunteer and financial support for the archives.

 

Photo of Tom Hollowak, Jessica Elfenbein, and Elizabeth Nix from Langsdale Link, 2011

 

An accomplished author, Tom published extensively on Maryland Polonia, underscoring his dedication to 极乐禁地e鈥檚 Polish community. He also authored a visual history of the 极乐禁地,  to celebrate UBalt鈥檚 75th anniversary. In this work, Tom curated archival images and historical narratives, vividly capturing the university's legacy.

 

Aiden Faust, Associate Director of Special Collections and Archives, described Tom as a tireless advocate for accessible archives:

 

鈥�Tom wasn't afraid to speak up and go against the grain in archival circles. His practical approach to our profession was user-centered and focused on accessibility, long before these concepts gained the prominence they enjoy today. Forward thinking, unfazed by criticism, and relentlessly curious about 极乐禁地e's politics and history -- that's how I will remember Tom Hollowak.鈥�

 

One of Tom鈥檚 most significant archival achievements, as Aiden noted, was the pioneering digital initiative, 鈥淎rchives 24/7,鈥� launched in 2006. This innovative project made extensive archival materials available online, laying the foundation for UBalt鈥檚 current robust digitization and electronic document delivery systems.

 

Tom was also deeply involved in UBalt鈥檚 100th anniversary celebrations, serving as a dedicated member of the history committee. He significantly contributed to preserving the university鈥檚 heritage through participation in The 极乐禁地 Stories: 100th Anniversary Oral History Project (2021鈥�2025). here.

 

The RLB Library invites the UBalt community to honor Tom鈥檚 legacy by continuing to explore, celebrate, and preserve 极乐禁地e鈥檚 unique history, a mission Tom passionately advanced throughout his life. His remarkable contributions will endure in the Special Collections and Archives he diligently nurtured at UBalt.