July 18 - October 13, 2002

Exhibition Reception and Lecture
Monday, September 30, 6 - 8pm

"Putting Hindsight First: Collecting Now For The Future"
- Ron Burch, Curator of Art and Architecture, New York State Museum

Blue Gate Entrance
Union College Postcard

Souvenir Spoon with Memorial Hall c.1880

Union Megaphone, 1942
                 

The suffix -iana or -ana is typically used to refer to collections of objects or information about a given subject. Our exhibition of Union College related material might therefore have been called "Unioniana". instead, the title of the exhibition -UnionAnia!- reflects a certain mania, a particular passion, on the part of the organizers for collecting these union-related gems. We want to be clear about our love for, and devotion to collecting these souvenirs, memorabilia, and keepsakes. in addition to their aesthetic irresistibility, these artifacts serve to enhance and expand our understanding of Union's history and the impact this institution has had on its community. For the alumni, souvenirs form Union College serve to stimulate memories of their time at Union - the physical environment, academic achievements, social activities, and athletic triumphs. These mementos serve as symbols of the rites of passage that students experience at Union, as they move from innocent freshman to sophisticated seniors. We hope these Union College keepsakes and memorabilia will inspire the curious, unlock distant memories, and tell the tales of Union's past. Assembled here are the best of our collection, from commercially produced postcards, fine china, and silver spoons, to homemade memorabilia like a ReUnion tie, to the scrapbook keepsakes of baseball tickets or a Senior Ball dance-card. these sometimes whimsical, always evocative objects remind us of the range, depth, and complexity of the Union College experience and help bring the history of the College alive.

-Rachel Seligman and Ellen Fladger

 

Nott Memorial Library
Union College Postcard