CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The UNI Museum has officially opened a dedicated exhibit documenting 150 years of history on the University of Northern Iowa campus. University leaders hosted a grand opening on Monday, Sept. 29 on the ground floor of Rod Library with students, faculty, staff and community members in attendance. 

Free and open to the public, the wide-ranging exhibit features artifacts, photographs and stories dating back to before the Iowa State Normal School was established in 1876. Additional satellite exhibit locations in Maucker Union, Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and McLeod Center will open on campus in the coming days. 

“Today, as we dedicate this exhibit within the museum, take some time to think about how important it is and what our past is about,” President Mark Nook said in his opening remarks. “Spend some time getting to know this history. It is very rich. It's very vibrant.”

“What you see here today represents over 5,000 linear feet of archival materials and hundreds of museum objects,” said Jess Cruz, exhibit coordinator and distinctive collections educator. Cruz took time to recognize UNI students who supported the project through reviewing artifacts and materials in the library’s Special Collections and University Archives. “We have tried to pull what are the best stories that represent our university.”

The oldest artifact on display is a bell that hung in the Soldiers’ Orphans Home in 1869. Other exhibit artifacts include an Old Gold printing block, athletics mementos such as a 1960 football and a Commencement chain from 2001. A letter from then-UNI President J.W. Maucker defends the continued employment of a professor who protested the draft during the Vietnam War. One wall showcases UNI’s history through pennants the institution has had over the years. Another showcases photographs of “People Who Make Us Proud,” including poet James Hearst, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley and paralympian Jessica Heims, among others. 

“I love seeing some of the people who were here before studying who became famous nationwide or worldwide,” said Flavia Vernescu, an emeritus faculty member who visited the exhibit’s opening. “I’m very excited to be here. I love it. It’s a wonderful idea.”

All exhibits are open during regular building hours. For more information, visit the UNI Sesquicentennial Exhibit website.