Boston University Will House Late Mayor Menino’s Official Archives

Photo via AP

Almost exactly a year after former mayor Tom Menino’s death, Boston University has been chosen to house his official archives, including both physical and digital materials—photographs, videos, manuscripts of speeches and talking points—that document the longtime politician’s life and career.

Menino’s wife Angela and BU president Robert Brown announced the project earlier this afternoon.

“My husband dedicated his life to the people of our city,” said Angela Menino. “It is my hope that others will learn, research, and strive for a better tomorrow through the lessons and materials that will be available here at Boston University.”

Following his final term in January 2014, Menino headed to BU to serve as co-director of the newly established Initiative on Cities, an institute focused on urban leadership strategies and policies. He received an honorary degree from the university in 2001 and the Boston University Medallion for his service to the community in 2013. That same year, BU renamed its merit scholarship program for graduates of Boston Public Schools as the Thomas M. Menino Scholarship Program.

The Thomas M. Menino Archive will be preserved and curated by BU’s Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center. The materials are still being processed, but earlier today the center launched a website that provides a photo gallery and a searchable database of manuscripts, audios, and videos.

Once the physical archive is completed, visitors will be welcome at the research center’s location at 771 Commonwealth Ave. to peruse its contents.