Colors of Old College

Step into Colors of Old College, an immersive, multimedia exhibition that unveils the evolving story of Old College, tracing its journey from its 1830s origins to its present-day prominence. Through shifts in architecture, layers of paint and the voices of those who shaped its legacy, the exhibition captures the soul of this iconic structure. Wander through the lives of students, faculty and community members who have lived, learned and thrived within and around these walls. Marvel at historic photographs, examine intricate blueprints and listen to oral histories that echo the spirit of a bygone era. A walking tour of the Old College Historic District reveals how these buildings have shaped not just the campus but also the town of Newark, weaving a story of growth, change, and enduring significance. This is more than history — it’s a celebration of resilience, memory and the vibrant hues of human connection. 

On view in the Old College Hall from Feb. 4 through May 15, 2025. The Old College Gallery is open Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Transcendent Resilience: Black Women, Artivism and the Carceral State

The University of Delaware’s Transcendent Resilience: Black Women, Artivism and the Carceral State explores the powerful intersection of art, activism and systemic injustice through the lens of Black women’s lived experiences. Expanding on Dr. Felicia Henry’s 2023 exhibition, I’m Literally Taking It Out The Mud (ILTIOTM), this new installation delves deeper into the voices of Black women impacted by the criminal legal system during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Drawing from both ILTIOTM and the University of Delaware’s Special Collections, Transcendent Resilience examines the intersectional oppression inherent in the carceral system while celebrating the creative resistance and transformative power of Artivism — activism expressed through art. This exhibition not only historicizes the experiences of ILTIOTM participants but also highlights their ingenuity, resilience and joy in the face of adversity. 

Curated by graduate students from UD’s Museum Studies Program, Transcendent Resilience is a testament to the strength and creativity of Black women navigating systemic challenges. Through this rich, thought-provoking exhibition, visitors will gain insight into the ways Artivism serves as a catalyst for resistance, healing and community-building. 

We invite you to join us in honoring the artivist creations and the enduring resilience showcased in Transcendent Resilience. 

On view from Feb. 4 through Aug. 8, 2025, in Morris Library’s Information Room. It can be viewed during Morris Library’s operating hours. 

Honestly Abe: Juvenile Literature About the Life and Times of Abraham Lincoln 

The baby born in a modest log cabin at the heart of the American frontier. The young boy sporting a coonskin cap with a relentless work ethic and passion for learning. The humble country lawyer driven by a steadfast conviction that right makes might. These images represent a handful of popular portrayals of Abraham Lincoln in biographies written for children that have shaped our understanding of Lincoln as an exemplary role model and the quintessential American for readers of all ages.   

Honestly Abe: Juvenile Literature About the Life and Times of Abraham Lincoln invites visitors to explore the rich themes and historical trends within children’s biographies, drawn primarily from the Lincoln Club of Delaware Abraham Lincoln Collection in Special Collections. Through cover art, illustrations and narrative text spanning more than 150 years, the materials on view tell the tale of a mythic American figure whose life and values continue to inspire generations of leaders. 

On view from Feb. 3 through May 23, 2025, in the Lincoln Exhibition case, which is located outside the Special Collections Gallery in  Morris Library. It can be viewed during Morris Library’s operating hours. 

Minerals from China and India

Discover the dazzling beauty and geological wonders of two of the world's most mineral-rich regions in Minerals from China and India. This spring exhibition presents a stunning array of minerals that showcase the rich diversity, vibrant colors and intricate forms that define the natural treasures of China and India. 

China, with more than 1,500 mining operations encompassing 40,000 mines, is a global powerhouse in mineral production. As the leading producer of critical materials such as rare earth elements, aluminum, copper, gold and lithium, China plays a pivotal role in the world’s mineral supply. The state-owned and highly regulated mining industry has, in recent years, turned its attention to the preservation and collection of mineral specimens, resulting in remarkable finds that now grace collections worldwide. 

India’s Deccan Traps, one of the most spectacular volcanic formations on Earth, reveal a different story. Spanning 200,000 square miles in the province of Maharashtra, these step-like basaltic cliffs formed 65 million years ago through massive volcanic eruptions. Within the cavities of this ancient trap rock, a stunning variety of minerals have formed, including intricate zeolite crystals. These aluminum silicates, with their flower-like formations, are as scientifically complex as they are visually breathtaking. 

Minerals from China and India explore the artistic beauty of these natural treasures. Whether you're captivated by China's vibrant mineral industry or the awe-inspiring formations of India, this exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the Earth's geological wonders. 

On view in the Mineralogical Museum in Penny Hall from Feb. 4 through May 15, 2025. The Mineralogical Museum is open Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MINE: What is yours in the wake of extraction

The Amazon is on the brink of collapsing, and with it, Indigenous cultures and lands are at risk of disappearing. Over the past 20 years, the Harakbut Indigenous community from the Madre de Dios region in the Peruvian Amazon has been devastated by an illegal gold mining boom. This boom is a result of the egregious demand for gold used in phones, electronics and jewelry, which is largely driven by Western consumer habits. The illegal mining has led to immense pollution of the air, land and water; deforestation; disease; human trafficking; drug smuggling; disparate economies; and an all-too-real danger of losing the culture and traditional ecological knowledge of the Harakbut and other tribes.

In MINE: What is Ours in the Wake of Extraction, visitors can become part of the solution by learning about the Harakbut culture through the works of the Etochime Artist Collective. The collective’s artworks speak to Indigenous worldviews and the disastrous impact the extractive industries have had on their land and people. The exhibition will also feature specimens from the Mineralogical Museum known as conflict minerals — mined resources that contribute to environmental harm and are frequently used to finance armed conflict and human rights abuses — as well as a juried selection of 10 artworks from around the globe, emphasizing that these issues aren’t only happening in and affecting the Amazon.

The exhibition is presented in collaboration with The ACEER Foundation, Amazon Aid, AWA and Studio Verde.

On view in the Mechanical Hall Gallery from Feb. 4 through May 15, 2025. Mechanical Hall Gallery is open Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sculptural Copper: Saved from the Smelter

Copper was essential to building America in the 19th century. Before it could be used in trains and other steam engines or in electrical wiring, copper had to be mined from rocks and smelted – extracted from its ore by heating and melting. As a result, many experienced European miners came to America in the 1800s to work in areas rich with copper mines, like Keweenaw County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. These miners, who worked by hand, would keep fine specimens from their discoveries for their own collections.

In Sculptural Copper: Saved from the Smelter, visitors will explore an array of copper specimens that these miners collected over the years. The copper on view has been sculpted by nature, with each specimen strangely and beautifully unique.

On view in the Mineralogical Museum in Penny Hall from Feb. 4 through May 15, 2025. The Mineralogical Museum is open Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What They Saved: Souvenirs and Mementos in Special Collections

An heirloom from a loved one, a keepsake from a first date, a souvenir from a road trip – the things we save say a lot about us and our lived experiences. As with these mementos, the objects and materials within Special Collections help to preserve the memories and experiences of the individuals represented in our collections.

In What They Saved: Souvenirs and Mementos in Special Collections, visitors will explore keepsakes from the collection, learning about the people who held onto them and the reasons why. From hats and handkerchiefs to dolls and dog tags, the mementos on view are imbued with personal meaning and connection while providing insights into histories, events, celebrations and celebrities of days gone by. 

The exhibition is on view Aug. 27, 2024, through May 23, 2025, in the Special Collections Gallery in Morris Library. The Special Collections Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.