Spanish Fork man to display more than 100 rare newspapers of historical events

Nate Medsker is transforming his lifelong passion for newsprint into a community experience. Before relocating to the East Coast, Medsker is hosting an open-house exhibit in Spanish Fork to showcase a vast and eclectic collection of historical newspapers.

A Living Archive of History

The exhibit will take place on June 6 from 5:30 p.m. To 7:30 p.m. At 989 S. Spanish Fork Parkway. Attendees can peruse approximately 100 newspapers on display, with an additional 50 available for guests to touch and read.

To protect the more delicate pieces, volunteers will be on hand to assist visitors. Medsker has stated that he is providing this access free of charge, intending for the collection to serve as a learning tool for the community.

Did You Know? Medsker’s collection spans centuries, featuring a 1666 article regarding a Black Plague resurgence in Europe and a report from 1804 detailing the famous duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton.

From the Moon Landing to Modern Events

The collection covers a diverse array of global milestones. Notable pieces include a 1969 Washington Post article on the moon landing, a 1963 Williamsport Sun-Gazette paper reporting on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and a 1953 Los Angeles Herald Express edition covering Queen Elizabeth’s coronation.

Other significant archives include reports on the Civil War, the conclusion of World War II, and a Colorado Springs Sun paper regarding the 1981 attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan. Medsker also maintains records of death announcements for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint prophets.

Beyond ancient history, he tracks modern events as they occur, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He also possesses an original 1978 advertisement for “The Lord of the Rings.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Medsker’s approach as a “steward of history” highlights the importance of primary sources. By focusing on the emotional reactions and immediate context captured in newspapers, collectors can provide a visceral connection to the past that standard history books may lack.

The Significance of the Printed Word

For Medsker, collecting is about more than just ownership; it is about preservation. He believes that while many people know historical events, few learn the necessary lessons from them.

Rewind – Maple Mountain vs Spanish Fork (Baseball) {5-22-26}

He argues that newspapers allow readers to feel the emotions of those who lived through moments like the collapse of the twin towers on 9/11 or the end of World War I. In his view, these documents are what truly bring history to life.

Future Prospects

As Medsker and his family move to the East Coast, his passion for the medium is likely to continue. His new professional office shares a building with a newspaper company, placing him in close proximity to the printing and delivery processes he admires.

Given the volume of available historical documents, Medsker may continue to expand his collection for the remainder of his life, as he believes there is no definitive end to what can be collected.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the newspaper exhibit?
The event is on June 6 from 5:30 p.m. To 7:30 p.m. At 989 S. Spanish Fork Parkway.

Is there a cost to attend the open house?
No, Nate Medsker is not accepting money for the event; it is intended for the community to learn.

What is the goal of the collection?
The goal is to preserve history and help people learn lessons from the past by seeing the reactions and emotions of those who lived through historical events.

If you could own a newspaper from any single day in history, which date would you choose?