Columbia University Archives

Just in time for the inauguration of Joe Biden tomorrow - learn about the visits of a surprising number of future U.S. presidents to Columbia's campus in our newest blog post! https://blogs.cul.columbia.edu//is-that-the-president-on-/

The iconic Santa Claus with a beard as white as the snow" & a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly was created by loyal Columbian Clement Clark Moore, Columbia College 1798, in a poem for his children: http://blogs.cul.columbia.edu/.../twas-the-night-before.../

Excited that the undergraduate students have found a way to virtually celebrate the tree lighting on campus...but missing the Yule Log ceremony. To learn more about that long-lived tradition visit the UA's FAQ about the Yule Log! https://blogs.cul.columbia.edu///lighting-up-the-yule-log/

Remembering David Dinkins... https://blogs.cul.columbia.edu//remembering-our-mayor-dav/

Columbia Football played its 1st game on this day in 1870 against Rutgers University, only the 4th intercollegiate contest in the sport. Columbia football - & the game itself - has come along way in the past 150 years: blogs.cul.columbia.edu//20/11/12/columbia-football-at-150/

Come take a Walk Through Campus courtesy of Columbia College Alumni Association (with a little help from the University Archives!) https://youtu.be/t51hOCs-Vog

Happy Thursday! Sharing this gorgeous colorized postcard of Columbia's campus from 1903. In the foreground is what is now Buell Hall before it moved to its current location and when it still had its porches! #tbt #postcards

Want to know more about the Alma Mater statue? Check out Julie Golia’s (GSAS 2010) article on Alma Mater on the University Archives website. You can learn more about Alma’s history, see historical photographs, and enjoy this loving account of Alma through the years. https://library.columbia.edu//cua/resources/almaearly.html

Did you know Alma has a secret? Buried in the folds of her skirts, you will find a hidden owl. Professor Dwight C. Miner claimed that the owl was Daniel Chester French’s nod of loyalty to his fraternity, Psi Upsilon. However, French’s own daughter, Margaret French Cresson, claimed to set the record straight by saying that the owl was a put there as a symbol of wisdom.

Designed by sculptor Daniel Chester French (who is also responsible for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.), the Alma Mater statue rises six and a half feet in height. If Alma were standing, she would be about ten feet tall!

While Alma has welcomed visitors to campus since 1903, did you know she once actually left campus? In May 1978, Alma was removed from her marble platform and was taken for a restoration to the Tallix Foundry in Peekskill, NY. Alma’s throne had been damaged by a bomb in a 1970 demonstration. She returned to Morningside in September 1978.

Alma Mater was dedicated on this day back in 1903 - as you can see in the photo. But did you know that it was Harriette Goelet who presented the statue to Columbia in honor of her late husband, Robert Goelet, Class of 1860? The Goelet family offered to bear the cost of the statue up to $25,000. In 1978, when Alma was in need of a restoration, it was again the Goelet family who covered the cost.

It may be hard to believe, but originally, Alma was gilded in gold! As the gold leaf wore off, she came to wear a darker patina and became naturally weathered. For four weeks in 1962, Alma was dressed in bronze (!). Her beautiful patina is now actively maintained and cared for to ensure that Alma always looks her best.

She greets all visitors. She looks over all the students hanging out on the Low Library steps. She has the best seat in the house for Commencement. She even became the site of an impromptu memorial to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg '59 LAW over this past weekend. This week marks the anniversary of Alma Mater’s unveiling in 1903. But how well do you know Alma? Join us here every day this week as we post fun facts about our favorite statue in honor of her birthday!

Honoring Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg '59 LAW at the Alma Mater statue... photo credit: Karen Green

A true Columbia Lion...

Greetings from Columbia University...circa 1920! #tbt #postcard

Greetings from Columbia University...1907! #tbt #postcard

Greetings from Columbia University...1926! Sun Ball! #tbt #postcard

Greetings from Columbia University....circa 1920! #tbt #postcard