Syracuse University Poster Collection, 1902-2019

Summary

Creator:
Syracuse University.
Abstract:
Posters produced by and for Syracuse University, its administration, schools and colleges, student organizations, and other University groups
Extent:
12 map case drawers (approximately 44 linear feet)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Syracuse University Poster Collection,

Background

Scope and content:

The Syracuse University Poster Collection contains posters from as far back as 1902 and as recent as 2019. They encompass a large array of subjects including athletics, academics, and student organizations and activities.

Academic posters advertise different programs of study, special opportunities within programs, student exhibitions, concerts, and events sponsored by schools, colleges, and academic programs. Other co-curricular posters include those advertising conferences, lectures, and seminars, usually sponsored by several different University organizations.

A majority of the collection consists of posters for extracurricular events, including student productions, concerts, speakers and social events. Some student organizations with extensive representation include the University Union, the First-Year Players, and DanceWorks. The collection documents campus wide events such as convocation, commencement, luncheons, major concerts, the Winter Carnival and Parents’ Weekend.

Another extensive group found in the collection are posters produced for various sports teams at Syracuse University. The posters range mostly from the mid-90s to the early 2000s and include a wide sample of athletics. The athletic posters are a good visual example of how imaging technology has changed over time and how the aesthetics of athletics advertising has evolved.

Biographical / historical:

Syracuse University was founded on March 24, 1870, when its Board of Trustees signed the University charter and certificate of incorporation, acting on a proposal put forth earlier that year at the Methodist State Convention. Despite its modest beginnings, the story of Syracuse University has been one of remarkable growth and progress. The University's population has expanded from a few dozen local students to over 21,000 students from all over the world. Significant eras of development in campus building and academic programs included the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries and the post-World War II years. The second half of the twentieth century saw the University transform into a modern research institution with international connections.

Acquisition information:
Gift of different offices and groups on campus.
Processing information:

Posters were sorted into groups and placed in folders.

Arrangement:

Folders are arranged alphabetically.

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions on this collection.

Terms of access:

Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Syracuse University Poster Collection,

Location of this collection:
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
Bird Library, Room 600
Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
315.443.2697
scrc@syr.edu