Syracuse University Athletics Trophy Collection, 1888-2012

Summary

Creator:
Syracuse University.
Abstract:
Trophies documenting the athletic achievements of Syracuse University students
Extent:
10 shelves (40 linear feet)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Syracuse University Athletics Trophy Collection,

Background

Scope and content:

The Syracuse University Athletics Trophies Collection records the history of students' athletic achievements at the University. The earliest object in the collection is an 1888 tug of war trophy, but the majority of trophies deal with more traditional sports, such as football, basketball, and track and field. Both men's and women's sports are included in this collection.

Many of the early trophies exhibit damage that cause them to appear askew. University Archives staff believe this was probably damage from melting during a fire that nearly destroyed Archbold Gymnasium in 1947. The trophy collection was housed in that building at the time. These objects provide interesting documentation of a major event in the University's history.

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.

Syracuse University is a member of NCAA Division I and the Atlantic Coast Conference. The University was a member of the Big East Conference until 2013.

Acquisition information:
Since 1980, Syracuse University Athletics staff have transferred trophies to the University Archives.
Processing information:

Trophies were moved, unboxed, onto shelving in a climate-controlled area.

Arrangement:

Trophies are physically arranged by size on shelves but arranged alphabetically by sport in the inventory.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Due to the fragile condition of the trophies and the difficulty in transporting them from their off-site housing, this collection is restricted. Please contact the archivist with any questions.

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 Athletics Trophy 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