Oral History of Jim Stimpert

Abstract

Jim Stimpert worked as an archivist at Johns Hopkins University's Sheridan Libraries for 39 years. Retiring in 2022 from his role as Senior Reference Archivist, Jim holds a treasure trove of institutional knowledge. In this oral history interview, Stimpert speaks about his life and college days in Ohio, ensuing career, and the varied experiences he's had helping researchers, scholars, students, and community members. Jim discusses the formation of the Ferdinand Hamburger University Archives, the department's first computer, and the technological and methodological changes archivists have faced in the evolution of their work. He talks about his dedication to learning and sharing university history, teaching photography classes and workshops, and in closing shares more about the hobbies he'd like to pursue in retirement. This oral history is part of the Hopkins Retrospective oral histories series.