The University Libraries invites you to learn more about the founding, history, and traditions of George Mason University. This site contains seven exhibits representing eras in the University's development, featuring digitized documents, photographs, video, audio, and other artifacts from the University Archives. Start exploring the exhibits below orbrowse the artifacts.

  • 1971

    a look back...

    Aerial photograph of George Mason College, Fairfax campus. Photo depicts, parking circle, Fenwick Library, Lecture Hall, and North, South, East, West, and Arts and Sciences (later Thompson Hall) Buildings. 8" x 10" photograph print; black and white.

  • 2008

    a look back...

    Button created to increase awareness in George Mason University building projects. The Building Patriot Pride motto and logo was introduced in November 2008 by the University's Facilities Division. Steel rectangular button with clasp at back 2.75" x 1.5"; yellow with black graphic.

  • 1964

    a look back...

    Front and back of photograph of construction of the South Building (today Krug Hall) George Mason College, Fairfax, Virginia campus taken March 27, 1964. 8" x 10" photograph print; black and white.

  • 1964

    a look back...

    Photograph taken by Richard M. Sparks of students Marianne Torregrossa, Kathy Parnell, Anne Walker, and Jim Pracht exiting a classroom and entering the front foyer of Bailey's Crossroads campus of George Mason College, April 1964.

  • 1968

    a look back...

    Students of the first graduating class of George Mason College as a four-year institution receiving diplomas during first Commencement, June 9, 1968. Handing out diplomas in the center is Chancellor, Lorin A. Thompson, and seated at right is speaker, Dr. Prince B.Woodard, Chairman of the…

  • 1956

    a look back...

    Photostatic copy of Virginia House of Delegates Joint Resolution No. 5, establishing a Northern Virginia branch of the University of Virginia, February 24, 1956.

  • 2005

    a look back...

    Team photograph of the 2005-2006 George Mason University Men's Basketball team taken in 2005 at Patriot Center on the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University. This team entered the 2006 NCAA Tournament as an at-large bid and was seeded 11th. It defeated Michigan State University, the…

  • 1963

    a look back...

    Photograph of the original George Mason College building from the north facing Columbia Pike (Route 244). This building had eight rooms. Note the modified sign, which previously read: University of Virginia University College.

  • 1971

    a look back...

    Photograph of an architectural sketch for the Physical Education Building completed in 1972 and now known as the Recreation and Athletics Complex (RAC). This appears to be a fairly late sketch, as it very accurately depicts the look of the final building. Photo had two strips of paper…

  • 1977

    a look back...

    Photograph of University President, Dr. Robert C. Krug, at his desk at George Mason University, Fairfax Campus. Photograph is undated, but is most probably ca. 1977 or 1978. 5" x 7" photograph print; black and white.