Objects, images tell Radford University’s history

Radford University's rich heritage is told in many ways. In addition to shared experiences and memories, artifacts - physical objects, images and recordings - offer a deeper understanding of the people who are at the heart of its history.

Ashley Palazzo, head of Archives and Special Collections at the McConnell Library, displayed and discussed various artifacts linked to key university milestones at an event held Sept. 8. Her presentation was the first of this academic year's RAD Talks, a series of special events addressing issues of shared interest to the university and the community.

"Artifacts are visual and audio representations of the past and our shared history," said Palazzo. "There is something so special about being able to not only see the actual artifacts but being able to feel the history. It brings another level to historical research."

The artifacts displayed range in time from the university's founding in 1910 through spirit buttons crafted by students in the 21st century. Digital representations of each are available on the archival materials section of the university website. Palazzo oversees the archive with the assistance of student interns to categorize and preserve items in the collection.

Some of the more unique items presented include a bass drum head displaying the affiliation of then-Radford College with Virginia Tech (then known as V.P.I.) and an athletic jacket commemorating the opening of the Dedmon Center in 1981. Other objects include early yearbooks and handcrafted dance cards from social events held in the 1940s and 1950s.

Each artifact speaks to major evolutions of the university and its relationship with students, faculty, staff and the community. They provide a personal context to changes to the university's purpose and curriculum, support of national efforts during World War II, desegregation, co-education and expansion of the university's facilities.

Palazzo told an appreciative audience, "These items are much more than a collection of dates and milestones. When you look closely, you can see the tremendous amount of effort, creativity, and care that went into making them. They're a tangible link to the people who have shaped the university."