From Vision to Reality: The Life and Career of Harry Clifton Byrd

Come learn about the life and legacy of Harry Clifton Byrd, considered by many to be the father and builder of the modern University of Maryland. Byrd was a 1908 graduate of the Maryland Agricultural College (MAC), as the University of Maryland was then known, with a degree in civil engineering. He returned to his alma mater in 1912, after brief stints as a graduate student, sports reporter, high school football coach, and semi-professional baseball player. Rejoining the MAC staff as a football coach and instructor in English, Byrd rose through the administrative ranks to become president of the University of Maryland, serving in that capacity from 1935 to 1954. The exhibit covers Harry Clifton Byrd's life and career, beginning with his early childhood in Crisfield, Maryland, and concluding with his accomplishments following his resignation from the university's presidency to run for political office.

The Harry Clifton Byrd exhibit is the first in a spectacular series of events highlighting the valuable collections that reside in the University of Maryland's R. Lee Hornbake Library.

Biography of Harry Clifton Byrd | About the Exhibit | Highlights from the opening event