Artifact and Memorabilia Collection

The Archives maintains a small collection of artifacts, memorabilia and ephemeral materials that document aspects of UW campus history.

Artifacts are typically three-dimensional items of varying size and shape. They are loosely organized into the following categories of content:

• Presidents and Chancellors
• Faculty, Regents and Staff
• Students and Alumni
• University of Wisconsin Items and Artifacts
• Medals and Plaques
• Awards and Citations
• Other Diplomas and Certificates
• Intercollegiate and Intermural Sports

Examples of Artifacts include hats, uniforms, flags and pennants, pins and buttons, trophies, diplomas and other awards. Artifacts can also be items used in campus traditions such as Class Rush and commencement activities and objects that convey school spirit from various decades.

Memorabilia items are usually paper-based and two-dimensional. They are organized by decade and include items such as event programs and tickets, student activities publications, posters and artwork for campus social and educational events, dance cards, athletic memorabilia and other materials related to celebrations and building dedications.

Items from this collection are often used in Library or campus-wide exhibits.

A representative sample of items from this collection is available in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Archives: Artifacts and Ephemera Collection hosted by the UW Digital Collections Center.

Search the Library Catalog for these items or contact the Archives for more information about this collection.