Bill Offhaus: Preserving UB’s past, one question at a time

by DENISE WOLFE

If you’ve ever needed to confirm a detail about UB’s history—or gone looking for just the right anecdote to bring it to life—chances are Bill Offhaus had the answer. And if he didn’t, he knew exactly where to find it.

For nearly 22 years, he has been a friendly face helping researchers and anyone curious about UB’s past navigate the University Archives’ collections, and he has become an invaluable resource for colleagues seeking historical tidbits and exhibition material. A self-described history lover, he brings deep institutional knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for connecting people with information. 

Offhaus did not initially plan on a career in archives. After graduating from SUNY Fredonia in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in social studies and history, he discovered during student teaching that secondary education was not his calling. A few years later, following suggestions from family and friends, he enrolled in UB’s Master of Library Science program.

He began working as a student assistant in Central Technical Services, copy cataloging newly purchased books. During his second semester, he moved with John Edens to the University Archives, a shift that set the course for his career. After graduating in February 2003, Offhaus was hired as a visiting assistant librarian and later became permanent professional staff. 

Today, Offhaus serves as the primary contact for reference questions received by the University Archives. He assists researchers in accessing collections, fields donation inquiries, creates records for new acquisitions in ArchivesSpace and, when time allows, processes archival collections and develops research guides for frequently researched topics in UB history.

But what he loves most is the detective work. 

“I love working one-on-one with researchers,” he said. “Helping them find what they’re looking for—especially when I need to dig into the collections—lets me explore UB and Western New York history in new ways.”

Among his favorite archival items are photographs of student life, including a 1957 image of homecoming queen Joan Arhardt with UB’s live bull mascot, Buster, and a photo of former UB President Robert Ketter gleefully ambushing the Student Association president with a pie during a United Way fundraiser pie fight. 

Raised in West Seneca and now living in Cheektowaga, Offhaus is the third of six siblings. Outside of work, he indulges his love of classic Looney Tunes cartoons, often slipping references into conversation to find fellow fans. When staff recently examined the Farber Hall time capsule, he wondered aloud whether a singing frog would jump out when it’s opened—a reference his colleague Ken Axford immediately recognized.

For those who work with him, Offhaus is more than an archivist. He’s a trusted source, a generous collaborator and, quite simply, an all-around great guy.