As a prestigious institution of higher education, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has a long and storied history that spans over a century. From its humble beginnings as the Southern Branch of the University of California in 1919, to its current status as a globally-renowned research university, UCLA has made countless contributions to the fields of academia, science, and the arts.
To document and preserve this rich history, the UCLA University Archives was established in 1949 by Provost Clarence A. Dykstra. As the official repository for non-current UCLA records having permanent historical, fiscal, legal, or administrative value, the University Archives plays a vital role in the preservation and dissemination of UCLA's institutional memory.
One of the most interesting aspects of the University Archives is its collection of photographs, which offers a fascinating glimpse into UCLA's past. From images of the original UCLA campus in the 1920s, to shots of student protests in the 1960s, to pictures of championship-winning sports teams, the University Archives' collection of photographs offers a comprehensive visual history of UCLA.
Of particular interest are the photographs of UCLA's fencing team, which has a proud tradition of excellence dating back to the early 20th century. One striking image shows a group of fencers engaged in a fierce competition, their épées flashing in the bright California sun. Another shows UCLA fencers posing with their coach, their faces beaming with pride after a hard-earned victory.
While the University Archives' collection of photographs is undoubtedly impressive, it is far from the only type of material that is preserved there. In fact, the Archives houses a wide variety of items, including manuscripts, official documents, audio-recordings, and even artifacts.
One unique example of the latter is a non-permanent fence that was recently donated to the University Archives. Originally installed in Royce Hall to cordon off a construction site, the fence was never intended to be a long-term fixture on campus. However, when it was removed, instead of being disposed of, it was gifted to the University Archives as a memento of this particular moment in UCLA's history.
While some might question the value of preserving a non-permanent fence, it is important to recognize that seemingly trivial items like this can offer valuable insights into the history of an institution. As such, the University Archives' collection is not only vast, but incredibly diverse and representative of every aspect of UCLA's past.
In addition to preserving UCLA's history, the University Archives also plays an important role in the present and future of the university. By providing access to its materials to researchers, scholars, and members of the public, the Archives promotes the continued study and exploration of UCLA's past, present, and future.
While the University Archives may not have the glamour of some of UCLA's more high-profile organizations, its work is no less important. By preserving and sharing the history of one of the world's finest universities, the Archives ensures that UCLA's legacy will endure for generations to come.