Exhibit featuring Penn State's historical markers now on display

An exhibit, "Commemorating Penn State Accomplishments: The Historical Markers," from the Penn State University Archives collection, is on display in Robb Hall of the Hintz Alumni Center now through June 8.

Historical markers at the University Park campus and selected other Penn State locations across the Commonwealth call attention to the University’s rich tradition of achievement in higher education and in service to society. The Penn State Alumni Association and the Office of University Relations launched the formal series featuring the blue-and-white markers in 1989.

The Alumni Association funds the project while the University Relations office, in consultation with the University Archives, provides management services. The Office of Physical Plant coordinates the installation and maintenance of the markers at all sites.

As of January, there are 72 markers at Penn State locations, and they feature all aspects of Penn State’s historical tradition from the establishment of the Agriculture Experiment Station, the first atom seen, creation of driver’s education, heart-assist pump development, Indian leadership, Martin Luther King’s speech at Rec Hall, discovery of R values, wake turbulence, Mount Nittany, and artificial insemination. This exhibit features photographs documenting thirty of these accomplishments and highlights the University Park map that follows the trail of history around campus.

Questions about the markers or suggestions for new markers can be directed to Mike Bezilla, director of research communications (mxb13@psu.edu). Questions about this exhibit can be directed to Paul Karwacki, Exhibit Curator (ppk107@psu.edu) or Jackie Esposito, University Archivist (jxe2@psu.edu).

Last Updated February 17, 2010