On 24 July 2012, Michael Nash died suddenly. Few members of the Melbourne Branch would have known Mike, but many would be aware of the Tamiment Library & Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, of which he was the Director. With his passing, we lose an encyclopedic knowledge of the vast archival collections held at the Tamiment, his extensive connections with the American Left and progressive politics, and his inexhaustible energy in arranging book launches, film screenings, photographic exhibitions, and frequent gatherings of former Abraham Lincoln Brigade members, labour movement activists and historians. His death, which will have a lasting impact on the study of left politics in the United States, is deeply mourned by his many friends.
His obituary notice was published in the New York Times on the 29th of July:
“Nash, Michael, Head of Tamiment Library—NYU Libraries mourns the passing of our colleague; innovative archivist of left politics, labor, and human rights; scholar; teacher; dear friend. He transformed his library, his profession, and our understanding of the historical record. Our hearts are with his family. Memorial gifts to Tamiment may be sent to the Michael Nash Memorial Fund, Dean’s Office, 70 Washington Square S, NY, NY 10012, or to organizations fostering social justice.”
For those not aware of the remarkable collections held at the Tamiment, see http://www.nyu.edu/library/bobst/research/tam/
Phillip Deery