Call Number:

00.011

Repository:

Drexel University: Archives and Special Collections

Extent:

2.17 cubic feet

Language:

English

Date:

1938-1991 (bulk) and c. 1910-1994 (inclusive)

Abstract:

This collection consists of photographs of Drexel University academic departments or programs and related colleges, locations, and other subjects.

This collection consists of a series of files containing images from Drexel University academic departments and programs, along with related colleges, locations, and other subjects. The images date from circa 1910 through 1994; many are undated. Most are black and white photographs; some are color, some are contact sheets, a few are negatives or other forms of reproduced student work (especially in design-related programs). Some have University Relations captions or other annotations associated with them, providing dates and additional information about the subject of the photograph.

Images often depict students and/or faculty at work, sometimes in a classroom setting but often in various laboratories: science labs, engineering and manufacturing labs, computer labs, kitchens and nutrition labs, etc. Images also show student tutoring, students at co-op experiences (such as female students in retail management and business administration, c. 1930s-40s, and students at an auto plant, c. 1970s-80s), portraits or group shots of students or faculty, and student projects, especially in engineering and fashion or interior design.

Other subjects of note include the Federal Defense Training Program, 1939-43; women's programs of the 1930s-60s such as home economics, including the "Home Management House" or "Practice House," and retail management; female students in predominantly male (and a few male students in predominantly female) programs, 1960s; students using (or faculty showing off) new computer technology, from IBM mainframes to Macintosh personal computers, 1970s-90s; student fashion shows and other exhibitions; Evening College programs, events, and commencement, 1950s-80s; and the construction of Nesbitt Hall and Hagerty Library.

Similar to the "Buildings and campus photographs" collection, the provenance of these images is unknown; however, most were likely transferred to the archives from the Office of University Relations. Archives staff may have occasionally added photos to this collection as identified in unrelated or newly accessioned records.

Photos are arranged alphabetically by subject of photograph. Typically these are academic departments or programs; however, occasionally they are colleges (College of Business, Evening College, etc.), physical locations (e.g., Nesbitt, Practice House), or other subject (CAD/CAM, Lab with Rodents, etc.). A single folder may contain several photos of a department, program, college, location, or other subject over a period of time, or photos may be divided among multiple folders. Most photographs do not contain captions and have little if any identifying information written on the back. However, where captions do exist they are typically adhered to the photograph; where information on the back is provided it typically identifies the people or subject of the image, if known; the date is less common. Many files are dated, though the source of those dates is often not apparent.