RPI History Revealed

Posted by Amy the Archivist on January 27, 2009
We recently received an item that is part of an interesting story with a connection to an important alum.  The item is a zither -- yes, a zither.  It's a complex musical instrument that was quite familiar a hundred years ago.  This was the first time I had seen one outside of a museum.  The zither was donated by an RPI alum who grew up in Troy.  Here is his story:
Posted by Amy the Archivist on January 27, 2009
I mentioned previously that we rely on donors to acquire new material for our collections.  In this post, I will highlight our latest acquisition. Recently Mr. Cox left this comment on the blog:
Posted by John Dojka on January 16, 2009
The holidays have passed, spring semester work has commenced and winter couldn't get any worse.  Blah.  This probably won't cure the doldrums, but it may entertain you for a moment.  I thought of inviting captions for this one, but I don't want to divert attention from an actual identification.  My best guess for the beer paraphernalia is that it came from the pub in the Union.  It looks like they are taking inventory of the items.  Can you identify the students or the room?  If I could get the name of one or more of the individuals, I may be able to conta
Posted by Amy the Archivist on December 16, 2008
The annual Campus Carols holiday concert was a Rensselaer tradition for many years. The genesis of the event dates back to 1944 when it was called the "Christmas Candlelight Program." In early December, the RPI Glee Club led the campus community in the singing of Christmas carols at the RPI Clubhouse. In 1948, the event was renamed "Campus Carols" and moved to the '87 Gym.
Posted by Amy the Archivist on December 2, 2008
The first create a caption comments were amusing so I will continue to post images that defy description. There is something about this picture that just makes me smile.  Do you see what I see (click on the image to enlarge)?  The only person I can identify is George Low (5th guy in) who, thank goodness, was not a victim of fashion faux pas.  I think this photo was taken around 1978, which explains a lot!
Posted by Amy the Archivist on November 14, 2008
1906 RPI football team The 2008 football team now has the distinction of playing the last intercollegiate game on the '86 Field.
Posted by Amy the Archivist on November 7, 2008
The Mystery Image is a place this time instead of a person.  I have a feeling that I have seen this house before -- possibly in the Troy vicinity, but I can't quite place it.  I'm kind of getting ahead of the seasons by posting a winter scene in early November!  Do you know where this house is located or who owns it?
Posted by Amy the Archivist on October 27, 2008
I don't have much to say about this image -- I'm clueless.  :-)  Can you identify the professor?  The student?  The equipment?  If so, please leave a comment!
Posted by Amy the Archivist on September 29, 2008
Image Coming into Troy via Route 7 east down that long slope, one's eyes inevitably scan to the opposite hill where the RPI campus is situated.  The Low Ce
Back to top