“Elon Through the Ages: A Homecoming” is the first exhibition of its kind to be displayed in the University Archives Exhibition Area, on the second floor of Belk Library. The exhibition showcases Homecoming history using photographs, scrapbooks, yearbooks, and other memorabilia from the 1950s to the present.
Chrystal Carpenter, Elon University archivist, has worked in universities where there are more permanent exhibits in place, and she hopes to bring something similar to Elon, beginning with the Homecoming display.
“This is the first year,” she said. “We displayed reunion groups with a heavy focus on the 50th reunion, the class of ’66, and this will change every year to reflect the alumni.”
She hopes to keep the display up all year and rotate the theme from Homecoming to other topics relating to Elon, or showcase particular memorabilia relating to a certain course or event.
Alumni gathered in front of the three display cases, chatting to one another and reminiscing about everything from the changing “E” emblem to the Fraternity and Sorority life parades to the floats of the early 60s.
The first case introduces the viewer to Elon academics, followed by a second case depicting photos of Homecoming through the ages, with the last case highlighting Fraternity and Sorority life.
Carpenter spent weeks sorting through and organizing material, including organizing an old Homecoming game football on loan from the Elon Athletic Department. Her dedication has resulted in a collection that brings the history of Elon Homecoming to life. Alumni, current students and faculty alike can head to the University Archives Exhibition Area to experience and relive the history of Homecoming.
“We hope to start small and slowly grow,” Carpenter said. “Someday, we’ll get a really robust program to get students more engaged in Elon’s history.”