History shapes the present and the future. It provides the foundation for today’s laws, borders, and social structures, and gives people the tools to recognize recurring patterns, avoid past mistakes, and make better decisions. Winston Churchill said, “Those that fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.”
As a historian and preservationist, Kenneth Thomas, Jr., wouldn’t want that to happen for those who call Columbus home or students from near and far who study at Columbus State University. His life’s work is synonymous with documenting and safeguarding Georgia’s past. This week CSU unveiled the official name of its Archives & Special Collections after Thomas, in recognition of a significant philanthropic gift.
Why it matters
The Kenneth H. Thomas, Jr. Archives & Special Collections, part of the Columbus State University Libraries’ network, exemplifies the university’s dedication to preserving the rich history, social fabric and cultural heritage of Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley region. It serves students, faculty, scholars and independent researchers worldwide.
You could spend a day or weeks getting lost in the vast collection of rare books and photographs of CSU, Columbus, and surrounding areas of the Chattahoochee Valley, the Institute for the Study of American Cultures, historical artifacts and many other exclusive materials.
“Ken Thomas has embodied the highest ideals of historical scholarship, public advocacy and stewardship throughout his tenure as a journalist, historian and genealogist. For nearly half a century, he has been a driving force behind cultivating Georgia’s historical and archival collections,” said Dr. Bryan Banks, CSU dean of Libraries and Archives.
“His philanthropic support advances our mission of preserving history and safeguarding the irreplaceable record of the Chattahoochee Valley while offering our students unprecedented opportunities for unique and high-caliber historical research,” Banks continued. “We are deeply honored that our Archives will bear the name of a pioneer who has given so much to our community and state, and who has, for more than a decade, invested in our archival efforts at Columbus State.”
Thomas’ permanent endowment will enable Columbus State to expand its community initiatives, including workshops and lectures, and increase global access to archival collections through digitization. It will also support the Thomas Archives & Special Collections to continue its focus on acquiring and preserving regional historical documents and artifacts. The endowment will deepen students’ experiential learning through specialized projects, conservation efforts and preservation practices—enriching their educational experience and inspiring more students to emulate Thomas’ example.
His gift also positions the Thomas Archives & Special Collections as a key contributor to the upcoming celebration of the city of Columbus’ founding in 1828. As part of Columbus 2028, archives leaders look to bring new collections and support efforts to document, preserve and educate others about the Chattahoochee Valley’s rich history.
A passion for history
In recognition of his contributions, Thomas was named a Fellow of the Society of Georgia Archivists in 2009. His honors include the Governor’s Award in the Humanities (2003), the Sarah Turner Butler Heritage Award from the Historic Columbus Foundation (2008), the Georgia Historical Society’s John McPherson Berrien Lifetime Achievement Award (2013), and the Lifetime Achievement/Legacy Award from Historic Westville (2013).
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