Visit Mudd to experience an extraordinary exhibition: "Learning to Fight, Fighting to Learn: Education in Times of War"

WAR AND THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE: Exhibition details the impact of military conflict on higher education

mudd curatorsmudd documents

In the centennial year of American entry into World War I, a new exhibition examines the compelling topic of war and its effect on education. Entitled "Learning to Fight, Fighting to Learn: Education in Times of War," the exhibition draws from both the University Archives and the Public Policy Papers, and is now on view at the Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library (Special Collections, Princeton University Library). An open house will be held November 9, 2017, from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Exhibition curators (Sara Logue, April C. Armstrong, Christa Cleeton, Rosalba Varallo Recchia, and Valencia Johnson, exhibition graphics) will be available for discussion at the open house.

exhibition documents exhibit photo

Since its founding, Princeton University has been shaped by every major war, whether it took place on American soil or halfway around the world. Most colleges and universities in the United States have had to address their role during wartime. Many college students are at prime enlistment age, and when war looms, academic institutions have looked for the best ways to continue to educate students while also preparing them for combat.

Starting as early as the French and Indian War and continuing through the American involvement in Vietnam, the Princeton community has borne the demand of conflict. Through the Princeton University Archives and the collections of the Public Policy Papers of Princeton University Library, this exhibition reviews how education and the pursuit of knowledge evolved over the span of 200 years through the lens of a series of wars.

To learn more about the history and making of the exhibition visit Mudd Manuscript Library blog.

The exhibition is open to University faculty, students and staff and the public during Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library operational hours and the exhibition room (the Wiess Lounge) is not in use. The exhibition will remain on display through June 2018.

 

Exhibition Contact: Sara Logue, Assistant University Archivist for Public Services

Media Contact: Barbara Valenza, Library Communications Manager