A reception and program to celebrate the gift of former U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw Jr.’s papers and memorabilia from 26 years in Congress to Stetson University will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 13.
The formal program will begin at 4:45 p.m.
Shaw and his family will attend the event at the duPont-Ball Library, 134 E. Minnesota Ave., DeLand. The library Archives’ newly renovated Politicos Room housing the papers, photographs and memorabilia will be open for tours following the formal program. The public is invited to attend.
A 1961 undergraduate alumnus of Stetson and 1966 graduate of the Stetson College of Law, Shaw served in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican representing the Fort Lauderdale area for 26 years (Jan. 3, 1981, to Jan. 3, 2007).
Shaw donated 102 boxes of files, 2,500 photos, 400 videos and 333 notebooks with legislative background notes and data to Stetson after he completed his 13 terms in Congress.
Among the memorabilia donated are pieces of ornate carpet from the House floor, framed bills and the pens used when signed by Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, a gavel, and U.S. and Florida flags from Shaw’s office.
The Shaw Collection papers cannot be viewed by the public for five years, which is typical for donation of this type to universities. When the collection is fully accessible, students and faculty and other scholars will have a wealth of primary research information to use for study. Shaw is particularly identified with his work on the “welfare to work” bill and Everglades legislation.
Additional information and photographs are available online on the duPont-Ball Library Web site.