Restringing Altgeld’s Mathematical Models: Touching, Tying, and Understanding Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics and the University Library have been collaborating to build a digital library collection for Altgeld Hall’s historic mathematical models. This work includes creating descriptive metadata, assessing physical condition, and cleaning and conserving the models.

Because every line and surface of these models represents a mathematical expression, their care and interpretation require expertise from two worlds: mathematics and preservation. To highlight this interdisciplinary collaboration, the event will feature Professor Jared Bronski (Department of Mathematics) and Professor Jennifer Hain Teper (Head of Preservation Services, University Library).

Together, they will discuss how mathematical models are interpreted, handled, and preserved, followed by a hands-on demonstration of restringing a string model. A reception will be held in 300 Harker Hall (Math Common Room) following the event, in conjunction with the Department of Mathematics’ Monthly Cake & Tea.

See the map below. Speakers: Dr. Jared Bronski is a Professor of Mathematics specializing in applied mathematics, with research interests in nonlinear wave propagation and the stability of waves and coherent structures.

He also serves as the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Mathematics. Jennifer Hain Teper is the Bud Velde Preservation Librarian and Professor, and Head of Preservation Services. She specializes in large-scale conservation applications for research library collections and teaches at the iSchool.

She is also a key leader of the preservation and digitization efforts for the Altgeld Hall Mathematical Models Collection.