Artifacts, Untold Stories Highlighted in SUNY Fredonia Bicentennial Exhibit

A faded Fred Fest t-shirt, handwritten letters from former students, and original campus designs from architect I.M. Pei and Partners are among the many items helping tell the story of two centuries of higher education in Fredonia. SUNY Fredonia recently unveiled the first installment of "A History of Fredonia in 200 Objects" in the display cases across from the recently unveiled bicentennial mural across from the President's Office in Fenton Hall. The exhibit, which will rotate throughout the year, features artifacts drawn from the university archives that capture the people, traditions and defining moments that have shaped higher education in Fredonia since 1826. The exhibit is of part of Fredonia's year-long bicentennial celebration.

The first installation includes 50 artifacts selected from the university's extensive archival collections, which span multiple floors of the Carnahan Jackson Center and continue to grow through donations and ongoing research. Amanda Shepp, Coordinator of Special Collections and Archives at the Reed Library, says rather than focusing solely on Fredonia's most recognizable artifacts, she intentionally chose pieces that highlight lesser known chapter of the university's history.

Guided by the bicentennial theme, "Celebrating Two Centuries of Impact," the exhibition invites visitors to experience university history not simply through dates and milestones, but through the personal stories behind the objects themselves.

Amanda Shepp talks more about the exhibit in the video below:

Thumbnail image by SUNY Fredonia