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April 26, 2008

University opens Autographs of American Leaders exhibit

For the Transcript

The Bob Burke Autographs of American Leaders exhibit at the University of Oklahoma will open with a public ceremony 2 p.m. Monday on the main floor of Bizzell Memorial Library, 401 W. Brooks St.?

A collection of letters, documents, photographs and writings signed by every president and vice president of the United States, from George Washington to George W. Bush, has been given to the OU libraries.?

The gift from OU alumnus Bob Burke also includes writings, signatures and documents of 43 people who have served as speaker of the United States House of Representatives, more than 600 political campaign buttons and other presidential memorabilia.?

The collection is a significant gift, said Sul H. Lee, dean of University Libraries.

"The presidential signatures and political campaign pins the collection contains are wonderful examples of rare historical Americana," Lee said. "This extensive collection will interest political history scholars and everyone who wishes to learn more about the leaders who have shaped our great nation. I am pleased that the University of Oklahoma Libraries can display part of this unique collection in a permanent exhibit in Bizzell Memorial Library."

Burke is a practicing attorney in Oklahoma City and native of Broken Bow. In addition to practicing law, he is a historian and author of more than 40 books, including "Bryce Harlow: Mr. Integrity," which received a Pulitzer Prize nomination. In 2002, Burke gave some 2,000 Bibles -- many notable and rare -- to the OU libraries.?

Burke began collecting autographs when he was a junior high school student. He worked laboriously for 30 years to accumulate genuine writing from every president.?

The exhibit is open during regular library hours, which are posted at http://libraries.ou.edu/info/hours.asp. Normal library hours when OU is in session are 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 2 a.m. Sunday.

For more information about the ceremony, call Public Affairs at 325-3784.

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