University Archives Holdings

The University Archives is the repository for a broad range of materials, including: adminstrative files, university publications, photographs, audiovisual materials, and memorabilia, documenting the history and present activities of the University of Maryland, and in particular, the College Park campus. The holdings of the University Archives are strongest in the post-1916 period. Learn more about the University Archives.

Records of the Board of Regents

Administrative Files

These materials (known as "archival record groups") have been transferred to the Archives from a variety of University of Maryland administrative units, academic departments, research centers, and student groups. Many of these record groups, which span the entire history of the university, are currently available for research. The University Archives is also responsible for selected files documenting the University System, including records of the University of Maryland Board of Regents dating from 1916 to 1988.

Alphabetical List of Selected University Archives Collections

1955 Basketball Program

University Publications

The Archives attempts to collect any document published on the College Park campus. The university publications collection includes course catalogs, schedules of classes, minutes, annual reports, newsletters, brochures, yearbooks, scientific and technical reports, and student publications. Holdings primarily document the period from the 1970s to the present, but retrospective sets of catalogs, bulletins, and other miscellaneous publications date from the 1850s.

1960 May Day Queen

Photographs

This collection consists of approximately 500,000 images depicting all aspects of campus life. Included are shots of campus buildings and landscape, sports and other events, student life, and individual and group portraits. They date primarily from the 1930s to the 1970s, although some late-nineteenth- and early twentieth-century images are included as well.

University Album: A Digital Collection of University of Maryland Images

Athletics Film and Video

Audiovisual Materials

The Archives is a rich source of audiovisual materials including about 7,000 pieces of film and videotape. These materials mainly document the university's athletic history and important events on campus. They date primarly from the 1950s to the present.

1935 Military Ball Dance Card

Memorabilia

The Archives holds approximately 1,000 UM-related objects, such as ceremonial footballs, plaques, trophies, student and sports uniforms, and portraits of past university leaders. A particular highlight of the collection is the mounted diamondback terrapin that was the model for the university mascot, "Testudo." The collection spans more than a century of the history of the UM campus.