(In)Visible History Tours at Princeton

 

Princeton University’s (In)Visible History tours provide a glimpse into the prestigious Ivy League experience and also provide a way for participants to explore the campus in a way that encourages a re-examination of the past and its implications for the present and future.

The tours were initially developed by the Campus Iconography Committee in 2018. The tours offer a guided exploration of the Firsts at Princeton, Traditions at Princeton, Women at Princeton, African Americans at Princeton, and Asians and Asian Americans at Princeton. The tours focus on aspects of Princeton’s history that have been less frequently discussed but have significantly contributed to shaping the campus and its community into what it is today. 

Users can access the tours via mobile devices or personal computers, allowing individuals or groups to take a self-guided walking tour on campus or follow the audio tour remotely.

Each tour stop features multimedia elements, including audio, images and videos, that enhance the storytelling and provide a richer understanding of the narratives featured.

Duke Offers App for Campus History Tours

 

Duke Campus History Tour launched this month on the Duke Explore app. The tour was developed as part of Duke’s Centennial Celebration to provide a deeper understanding of Duke’s history for the campus community and visitors.

You can download the app on your phone for an engaging, informative introduction to key moments and people in the history of Duke University and Trinity College. The experience offers three separate tours—West Campus (with 10 stops), East Campus (8 stops) and Athletics (4 stops). Users can select the tours that match their time and interests. Each stop or location provides a brief description, audio narration, photos and links to learn more.

For users walking around campus, the app uses geolocation technology to guide the tour and signal the approach to the next stop.

Duke University was established in 1924 when James B. Duke, through the Indenture of Trust, designated a gift that transformed Trinity College into a comprehensive research university. Learn more about centennial activities by visiting the Duke Centennial web pages.

Freedom Footprints: A self-guided walking tour through Elon University's Black History

 

Elon University recently posted "Freedom Footprints: A Juneteenth Journey through Elon’s Black History" a self-guided walking tour. The web page includes a map created in Google Maps and detailed information for a number of tour stops are denoted by number.

You can read more about the walking tour in "Elon celebrates Juneteenth with tour, discussion," with reporting by Michaela Zeno.

Walking Tour of Black Life and History at UNC

A walking tour of black life and history on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus is offered by UNC University Libraries. The Black and Carolina Blue Tour was initially developed as a class project and has now been been updated by staff in the Wilson Special Collections Library.

ArcGIS StoryMaps was used to support web pages with revised and expanded entries offering additional information, citations, and suggestions for further reading. 

You can read about other opportunities for walking around Chapel Hill in an article from The Daily Tar Heel, "Walking tours in Chapel Hill and Carrboro showcase unique history," with reporting by Brigette Bagley that was published June 26, 2024.

The College History Garden also posted information on Walking Tour Highlights Archaeology of Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina that may be of interest.

Pilgrim's Path: Walking Tour of St. Louis University

St. Louis University recently unveiled Pilgrim's Path, a 1.6 mile walking tour of the institution's north campus. The tour includes 19 locations on SLU's campus that depict the University’s Jesuit history and Catholic identity.

Those interested can download an app with narrations that is available through the free PocketSights app in the App Store and Google Play. There is also a .pdf map and descriptions of the various tour locations.

Southern Utah University Celebrates Anniversary

Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding in 1897.

You can explore SUU's history by visiting the 125th anniversary page with links to a calendar of events, timeline of institutional history, podcasts, artwork, videos, and more.

SUU was founded as the Branch Normal School. The name changed to Branch Agricultural College in 1913. It became the College of Southern Utah in 1953, Southern Utah State College in 1969, and finally, Southern Utah University in 1991.

You can travel through Cedar City and southern Utah on a scenic tour visiting historical sites associated with SUU's founding. The KSL.com website offers "Explore SUU's founding with a self-guided tour of southern Utah," that describes the route with locations in Cedar City and the surrounding area. The tour can be a full-day trip by adding additional locations in the region or you can drive the full loop in less than two hours.

Additionally, you can view a short historical reenactment, "Back Up the Mountain," that details the amazing story of determined men and women who founded SUU. The video was produced in the area and many cast members and extras are proud descendants of the university's founders.

Remembering Impact of Hurricane Agnes at Wilkes University

Wilkes University has a campus on the Susquehanna River and suffered substantial damage when Hurricane Agnes triggered a flood in 1972.

A new interactive website, an audio walking tour and an artifact exhibit, “Remembering Agnes: 50 Years Later,” offers a retrospective overview of the period. It is a collaboration of the E.S. Farley Library , the Sordoni Art Gallery, the Wilkes University History department, Integrative Media department, WCLH radio station, and web services.

“The walking tour consists of 12 designated stops featuring panels that showcase pre- and post-flood photographs and an opportunity to listen to recordings on some of our building history.

You can read more in "Wilkes University launches audio walking tour, retrospective on Agnes," posted by the Wilkes Barre Time Leader with reporting by Mark Guydish.

Elmhurst University: Celebrating 150th Anniversary

Elmhurst University is celebrating the sesquicentennial of its founding in 1871 during the current academic year. You can visit the Elmhurst 150th web page for links to information about remaining events and other resources. 

The About Elmhurst's Sesquicentennial page offers a number of interesting videos including a gallery talk by Dan Bartlett, curator of the Elmhurst History Museum, "An Ever-widening Circle: Elmhurst U at 150."

The Elmhurst History Museum page includes links to their exhibit celebrating Elmhurst University at 150 Years and their new mobile app Tour of Elmhurst University Campus...a walking tour around Elmhurst.

Exhibit Features Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Historic District

 

WTWO-TV of Terre Haute, IN posted a short video segment, "Saint Mary-of-the-Woods exhibit now open through October at Swope Art Museum," featuring comments by Dr. Dottie King, president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) and the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (SPSMW) are partnering with the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute to present “Stories from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Historic District.”

“Stories from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Historic District” can be viewed in the 2nd Floor Lobby and Education Galleries of the Swope Art Museum, from August 6th through October 4th, 2021. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and there is no cost for admission. 

You can visit the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Historic District web pages for for more information on the architectural significance and educational or religious importance of the area to the history of the State of Indiana and the United States.

A couple of previous College History Garden posts may also be of interest, 

• October 4, 2017 Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Campus added to National Register of Historic Places.
• November 2, 2015 Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Celebrates 175th Anniversary.

You can also visit the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College web site to learn more about the institution's history or you can download maps of the campus and trails.

Historic Walking Tours in Oxford, OH

Enjoy Oxford offers a couple of walking tours highlighting the history of higher education in Oxford, OH. Extensive brochures are available with maps, photographs of the featured buildings and corresponding historical sketches. The brochures can be accessed through the Enjoy Oxford website or print copies are available when visiting their office.

Walking Tour of Oxford’s UNIVERSITY HISTORIC DISTRICT

Designated by the City of Oxford in 1979, the University Historic District is one of the city’s three historic districts and the only one that was originally comprised almost entirely of residential architecture. The U-shaped district of nine blocks on East High Street, South Campus Avenue, and East Spring Street, nearly surrounds the original University Square. 

Walking Tour of the WESTERN COLLEGE FOR WOMEN HISTORIC DISTRICT

The Western College for Women Historic District was designated by the City of Oxford in 1995 and is the only one entirely on a college campus. This self-guided walking tour covers several acres of what was chartered as the Western Female Seminary in 1853. The booklet provides brief descriptions of the history of 24 sites and biographical informationabout the people whose names are connected with those sites. school was in operation, from 1855-1974. Most of the campus was listed as a district in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. 

You can also read Amy Bertrand's "Oxford, Ohio: A small university town with a lot to do," published by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on March 15, 2021. Bertrand describes her trip to Oxford and offers a variety of suggestions for other places to see while visiting.

College of Chaleston Launches New Website and Mobile Apps as part of 250th Anniversary Celebration

The Charleston Chronicle published "New College of Charleston History Website Discovers Hidden Stories" with details of an initiative to provide a better understanding of the College of Charleston's history.

The web site was developed as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the College’s founding in 1770 and is known as Discovering Our Past. 

It includes a mobile app for Apple and Android smartphones and is presented as a series of multimedia essays that can be accessed individually or as part of a self-guided tour of 13 campus locations. Each essay is accompanied by historical images, drawings, documents and maps as well as contemporary photos.

You can also find links to additional resources related to the 250th anniversary by visiting an early College History Garden post from January 4, 2020, "College of Charleston Celebrates 250th Anniversary." The post includes links to several institutional histories and other information. 

Preserving Memories of Campus Buildings at Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Archives posted an interesting article, "Campus Views: A tour of buildings long gone," on their blog, December 19, 2019.

A number of short descriptions and photographs are offered to preserve memories of former campus buildings.

There is also a link to Buckeye Stroll, a web site featuring current and historical landmarks of the Columbus campus. You can enjoy an online campus tour or use the app for your mobile device and enjoy a walk on the campus. Historical summaries and photos of numerous buildings are included.

Colorado State University begins Sesquicentennial Celebration

Colorado State University in Fort Collins is beginning a year long sesquicentennial celebration of its founding in 1870 as the Agricultural College of Colorado, a land grant institution. The name was changed to Colorado State College of Agriculture & Mechanic Arts in 1935, to Colorado Agricultural & Mechanical College in 1944, and then to Colorado State University in 1957.

The CSU 150 web page offers a short Anniversary Celebration Trailer on YouTube, an interactive Then and Now photo application, and upcoming events.

You can also visit the CSU Libraries History page for an extensive list of links to university and unit histories, information on campus buildings and other resources. The Mystery of CSU History Tour is included among several .pdfs for walking tours of the campus.

Finally, the CSU Archives page serves as an entry to a number of collections of digital images.

Historic Walking Tour at the University of Vermont

VTDigger posted "Then Again: In its first year, UVM had 12 students, 31 library books and $12 tuition" where Mark Bushnell offers a short sketch of the history of the University of Vermont and notes that the story of how the university grew in size and stature since its founding is the subject of a free 90-minute walking tour the school that is offered at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays through October 12th. The tours are led by William Averyt, UVM emeritus professor.

The university in Burlington, VT offers an Historic Tour of UVM web page with links to a map and a short video of the tour that is narrated by Professor Averyt.

Three Walking Tours Explore History of CALS at University of Wisconsin-Madison

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison posted an article by Stephanie Hoff, "CALS walking tours communicate history through present-day technology," on the development of three walking tours exploring the history of the college. 

The walking tours were initially available as print brochures and are now available on the PocketSights smartphone app and PocketSights.com.

The campus walking tours include:

• Henry Mall Tour
• CALS campus (west)
• CALS campus (east)

You can also view a short YouTube video, "CALS Tour of Plaques," featuring historical markers commemorating CALS’ major discoveries and achievements.

Walking Tour Highlights Archaeology of Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill posted "Virtual archaeology tour brings campus history to life," written by Scott Jared for the University Gazette.  Jared describes a new web site created by the UNC Research Laboratories of Archaeology that offers a walking tour that includes archaeologically significant places on campus that portray life in Chapel Hill and on the campus.

You can visit the site, "Beneath our Feet: A Walking Tour of Archaeological Sites at UNC Chapel Hill," created using the Knight Labs StoryMapJS software.

An earlier College History Garden post, from October 8, 2018, "University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill prepares for 225th Anniversary," provides additional links on UNC history and preparations for the institution's upcoming anniversary.

IUPUI Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Founding

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1969 through merger of the Purdue Indianapolis Extension Center (1946) and Indiana University Indianapolis (1916).  IUPUI is considered to be one of nine Indiana University campuses, though students also have the opportunity to earn degrees through Purdue.

IUPUI's anniversary web pages include scheduled events, an historical sketch with timeline, along with featured stories of students, alumni, and others who have served the institution.

Your can also find additional historical information through the IUPUI web site or by visiting web pages of the Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives.

     

Though it is officially 50 years, IUPUI traces its higher education heritage in Indianapolis back to the early 1900s.  The medical school was established in 1906 and the schools of law, dentistry and art grew from a number of predecessor institutions founded in the late 1800s. 

You can also learn more by reading Ralph Gray’s book, "IUPUI: The Making of an Urban University" (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2003) .

IUPUI's web site also offers Women Building IUPUI: A Walking Tour.  The page includes links for two .pdf documents by Mary Owen with historical information, photographs, and campus maps:  

Women in Medicine at Indiana UniversityPurdue University IndianapolisA Walking Trail

Women Building IUPUIA Walking Trail 

App-based Audio Tours Highlight Oberlin's History

Oberlin College & Conservatory issued a news release this week, "App-based Tour Illuminates Oberlin’s History," written by Hillary Hempstead. 

Hempstead focuses on "Oberlin College: The First Century," an audio tour that introduces visitors to the College's early history.  It was developed under the auspices of the Oberlin College Archives and the Coalition for Oberlin History using the Izi.Travel app.  

Gary Kornblith, emeritus professor of history, and a number of other people from the campus and community worked together on the project that also now includes additional audio tours using the same platform:

• Oberlin's African-American Community: Historic Groveland
• Westwood Cemetery Memorial Day Tour
• History of the Schools of Oberlin

Walking Tour of Columbia University

Columbia University offers a self-guided walking tour in New York City that features 25 sites along with information about the surrounding Morningside Heights neighborhood.  The tour web page includes links for a tour podcast in a variety of formats by Andrew Dolkart, a popular architectural historian and professor of architectural history at Columbia's School of Architecture.  There is also a 16-page .pdf with map and information on the various sites.