Event Marks Addition of Historical Girl Scout Collection to KU Libraries

KU Libraries hosted an event on Saturday, March 31 to commemorate the gift of a significant collection of papers and materials documenting an important part of Lawrence and Douglas County history.

The collection, which includes a broad array of records, memorabilia and correspondence from the Lawrence-based Mariner Girl Scout Troup 660, provides a unique and impressively complete picture of Girl Scout activities in the area. The collection also includes records pertaining to the creation of Hidden Valley, the Girl Scout wilderness area and camp in Lawrence.

"This collection is an incredibly rich resource that documents the activities of Girl Scout participants and leaders for the more than 50 years," said Sherry Williams, curator of the Kansas Collection at KU Libraries. "There is immense research potential within this gift. It will provide important historical view of activities related to children, scouting and community development, and will be a rich resource for researchers in women's history, the history of childhood development and especially Lawrence and Douglas County."

The event honored the late Mariana Remple, a longtime Lawrence-area Girl Scout leader who compiled a majority of the collection, as well as her husband, KU Emeritus Professor Henry D. Remple, and their daughter Lucy (Remple) McAllister. Additionally, it recognized the Hidden Valley Archives Committee, including Mary Jo Mensie (chair), Lynne Bodle and Ellyn Owen.

The event featured entertainment by the Mariner Girl Scout Troop and brief remarks by Remple, McAllister and Williams.