This spring students in AU’s Public History Program updated and expanded our online exhibit, Eagelore. The students added new sections on American University’s Chancellors and Presidents, the AU Arboretum, the Kennedy Political Union, and campus fraternities and sororities.
Category Archives: Exhibits
Currently on Display: Bannockburn Under Construction
AU Archives and Special Collections is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Bannockburn Cooperators, Inc. (BCI) Archive. The BCI Archive (1944-2006, bulk 1946-1959) consists of membership files, house plans and construction documents, financial records, stock certificates, and minutes from board and membership meetings. A small exhibit featuring photographs of the construction of the first Bannockburn houses will be on display through mid-August 2014 on the third floor of Bender Library.
A Brief History of Bannockburn
The Group Housing Cooperative (GHC) was organized in 1944 in Washington, D.C. It developed a concept for a planned community which included single family homes, apartments, a neighborhood shopping center, recreational facilities, a club house, an elementary school, and park land.
At an auction in April 1946, GHC bought the 124 acre Bannockburn Golf Club for $193,000 to serve as the site for this community. GHC selected a team of architects, Burket, Neufeld and DeMars, to develop site plans and see the project through completion.
GHC transferred the property in August 1946 to BCI which it incorporated to manage the project. BCI’s membership originally consisted of GHC members who elected to live in the community but was open to new residents as well.
The first 24 houses were constructed in 1949 and 1950 at Wilson Lane and Braeburn Place and included a variety of house types. BCI was unable to get permission to rezone the property so much of the original plan was tabled. The final Bannockburn house was completed by late 1960.
Currently on Display: Pro Dea et Patria: Graduate Education at American University (1914-1924)
Did you know that AU is celebrating a big anniversary this year? On May 27, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson and other dignitaries spoke at the official opening ceremony for AU. Come learn about AU’s first ten years and the development of its graduate program. AU Archives is pleased to announce its newest exhibit, Pro Dea et Patria: Graduate Education at American University (1914-1924). The exhibit will be on display on the first floor of the Library through the middle of July.
Currently on Display: 18th and 19th Century Illustrations of Flora and Fauna from the Artemas Martin Collection
American University Library Special Collections is pleased to announce the opening of its newest exhibit, 18th and 19th Century Illustrations of Flora and Fauna from the Artemas Martin Collection. This exhibit features illustrated botanical and zoological works. Though the primary purpose of these works is scientific, the works on display showcase their aesthetic value. This exhibit will be on display on the third floor of the library though the end of the spring semester.
New Online Exhibit -Eagle Lore: Windows into American University History
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Are you curious about the history of American University? Have you ever wondered which U.S. Presidents have connections to our campus? Or what issues rallied students to protest for change?
All of those questions can be answered in a new digital exhibit. The AU Archives and Special Collections recently unveiled an online exhibit exploring American University’s history. The exhibit uses images from the collection to illustrate the University’s unique history. Included in the exhibit is information about the physical campus, political protests, student activities, and AU in war time.
Although a great place to start learning about American University’s past, the digital exhibit is far from complete. Instead, the exhibit will continue to evolve as new images and interpretation are added in the future about campus.
By checking out the exhibit, you’ll gain an understanding of American University’s history while also learning about resources available in the University Archives.
Currently on Display – News Reporting and Editorial Cartoons by American University Students and Alumni
Come learn about five American University alumni who went on to distinguished careers in journalism and cartooning as well as the history of campus news media outlets. This exhibit will be on display on the third floor of Bender Library through the end of the fall semester.
Currently on Display – Who Is That Building Named After?
Are you curious about the people for whom campus buildings are named? Ten key figures in American University’s history are featured in a new exhibit on the first floor of the library. Find out about their backgrounds and their role at AU. The exhibit will be up through the end of the fall semester.
On Display: 19th Century Publishers Bindings
American University Library is pleased to announce the opening of Judging a Book by its Cover: 19th Century Cloth Bindings from the Liman and Martin Collections which showcases examples of the different styles of publishers’ bindings from American University Library’s Les A. Liman and Artemas Martin Collections. Come learn about book history and test your book IQ. Try to match the decorative techniques listed in the caption to the books on display. This exhibit will be on display through mid August on the third floor of Bender library.
Last Chance to See Spring Semester Exhibits
If you haven’t already done so, check out Archives and Special Collections spring exhibits. They will be up through the end of May.
The Peace Corps Experience in the 1960s: Colombia and Nigeria
Featured in this exhibit are two volunteers who taught in Nigeria in the early 1960s and four health and community development volunteers in Colombia who served as an instructor in a school of practical nursing; provided architectural services; worked with community leaders; provided health education information; set up libraries; and distributed food. The exhibit is on display on the third floor of the Library.
To Foster College Spirit and Promote the Common Welfare: Student Government @ AU
In honor of the upcoming elections for Student Government officers this spring, the University Archives is featuring documents, flyers and photographs that provide a glimpse into student governance at American University and highlight some of the key functions of the first Student Council and its successors. This exhibit is on display on the first floor.
Currently on Display – AU Faculty: Life Outside the Classroom
Do you have a favorite professor? Do you know what he/she did before coming to AU? Did he/she have any hobbies? Come and see Esther Ballou’s compositions and programs, Jack Child’s photographs and stamp collection, and Al Mott’s personal diaries which illustrate aspects of the private lives of three former faculty members. The exhibit is on the third floor of the library and will run through the end of the semester.