From Baton Rouge Labs to Library Vaults, a Reel Journey Unspools

When a microbiologist from Baton Rouge swapped test tubes for film reels, the Library of Congress gained a champion for America’s moving image heritage. Mike Mashon’s career arc—spanning AIDS research labs to the helm of the Library’s Moving Image Section—reflects a rare blend of scientific rigor and cinematic passion. His stewardship saw the monumental relocation of vast film and video collections from scattered sites to the Packard Campus in Virginia, a feat powered by teamwork and a devotion to preservation. Along the way, Mashon helped launch the National Screening Room, opening the vaults to the world with a spirit of creative camaraderie. From backstage moments with cultural icons to safeguarding reels for future generations, his tenure underscores how archival work is both a logistical marathon and a love letter to storytelling. As the credits roll on his Library chapter, the legacy remains: every preserved frame is a promise kept to history. #FilmHeritage #LibraryOfCongress #CulturalPreservation #Culture