Exhibits at Cushing Memorial Library
The Cushing Memorial Library and Archives maintains an active exhibit program. Exhibits vary in scope and length. Most of the exhibits are drawn from the Library's own collections, however, we occasionally host exhibits from other institutions, and some of our exhibits have traveled to other sites.
Current Exhibits
Don Quixote at Texas A&M University: A Celebration, 1605-2005
The Cushing Memorial Library and Archives and the Melborn G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research at Texas A&M University announce Don Quixote Illustrated: Textual Images and Visual Readings, A symposium and an exhibit in celebration of the 4th centenary of the Quixote, 1605-2005. The symposium, taking place March 28-29, 2005, will feature speaker from Texas A&M University, the University of Calgary, the Hispanic Society of America, and the Universidad de Dastilla-La Mancha.
Fruits of a Gentle Madness: The Al Lowman Printing Arts Collection and Research Archive
Centered on Al Lowman's work, Printing Arts in Texas, a history of fine printing in Texas until 1975, the exhibit features materials related to book designers and printers discussed by Lowman, including Carl Hertzog, William D. Wittliff, the William R. Holman family, Edwin B. Hill, the Book Club of Texas, the first university press in the state of Texas -- S.M.U. Press, and the University of Texas Press. The exhibit displays both trade and special editions of exemplary books, as well as their many significant and unique features such as typography, layout and illustrations.
The Longer Road: Reporting the Lewis & Clark Expedition
Cushing Memorial Library and Archives will open an exhibit titled The Longer Road: Reporting the Lewis & Clark Expedition on Thursday, September 23. Dr. C. O. Pat Patterson, associate professor of Biology at Texas A&M University, will discuss the history of Lewis & Clarks expedition and share insights about his private collection of Lewis & Clark material. Drawing heavily on Pattersons collection, the exhibit features contemporary newspaper accounts of the expedition, the first edition of the first published book about the expedition, as well as many items of related interest. The lecture and the exhibit begin at 4 p.m. in the Wendler Gallery on the second floor of Cushing Library. The exhibit will be on display through February 2005.
Recent Exhibits
Intended for All: 125 Years of Women at Texas A&M
Shortly before the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas opened in 1876, a Texas legislative delegation sent to inspect the new college reported that the school was "intended for all". Making visible the hidden stories of women and their contributions to A&M are the goals of this exhibit. Recent scholarship in women's history has shown that although women everywhere have contributed much more than we have known, the stories of women's accomplishments need to be told more adequately.
Remembering Brown v Board
This exhibits marks the 50th anniversary of the US Supreme Court Brown v Board decision to desegregate public schools and with this ruling the overturning of the Separate but Equal legacy of Plessy v Ferguson. The Court determined, Segregation of white and Negro children in the public schools of a State solely on the basis of race, pursuant to state laws permitting or requiring such segregation, denies to Negro children the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment -- even though the physical facilities and other "tangible" factors of white and Negro schools may be equal. They further commented, In approaching this problem, we cannot turn the clock back to 1868, when the Amendment was adopted, or even to 1896, when Plessy v. Ferguson was written. We must consider public education in the light of its full development and its present place in American life throughout the Nation. Only in this way can it be determined if segregation in public schools deprives these plaintiffs of the equal protection of the laws.
African-Americans at Texas A&M
The history of African-Americans at Texas A&M University dates to the institution's beginning. African-Americans in the Texas Legislature supported the passage of the Morrill Land-Grant Act in 1866, which established the A&M College of Texas. Between 1876 and 1963, African-Americans worked at A&M as laborers, maids, custodians and various other support staff. They were, however, prohibited from attending as students and faculty.
The history of African-Americans at A&M has been shaped by decades of racial segregation, quiet desegregation, and attempts to redress historical wrongs. It has been filled with lifelong struggles and determination in fulfillment of a dream that finally opened the doors to A&M in 1963. The past 37 years have been a continuing struggle by African-Americans and A&M to ensure that the dream is kept alive.
This exhibit attempts to explore that complex history through its 125 years. It is only a partial history, as these photographs, texts and historical documents reveal. Much remains uncovered or forever lost. There are no photographs of prejudice or discrimination, or documents detailing exclusion or unfairness. Yet, it is hoped that what is presented here will tell a story of struggle, pride, humility, persistence, dedication, contributions and achievements.
Online Exhibits
Cushing maintains many exhibits online, both as supplementary sites to a physical exhibit, and as virtual exhibits in their own right. Please visit the online exhibits page for a comprehensive listing of available exhibits.