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.

  • 1994

    a look back...

    Photograph of the St. Robert Bellarmine Chapel located on Roberts Road in Fairfax. This photograph was taken on December 3, 1994 the day of its dedication. Photo is 5" x 7"; black and white.

  • 2009

    a look back...

    Architectural drawing of the planned Fenwick Library addition on George Mason University's Fairfax, Virginia campus looking northwest, November 6, 2009.

  • 1968

    a look back...

    Procession of the Graduating Class of 1968 as they leave the East Building on towards the Lecture Hall. Fifty-two graduates participated in the first Commencement for George Mason College as a four-year institution on June 9, 1968. The South Building can be seen to the left. 8" x 10"…

  • 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.

  • 1972

    a look back...

    Governor A. Linwood Holton, Jr., signing H-210, the bill which separated George Mason College from its parent institution, University of Virginia on April 7, 1972 at his office in Richmond. Pictured left to right are: Student Government President James Corrigan, Governor Linwood Holton,…

  • 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…

  • 1995

    a look back...

    An exterior photograph of the University Learning Center (now kown as the George W. Johnson Center) taken in 1995, the year the building originally opened. 35mm slide; color.

  • 1964

    a look back...

    Photograph taken by Richard Sparks of Craig Movers van moving books and supplies from the Bailey's Crossroads building to the new branch college at Fairfax, on either August 26 or 27, 1964. A brief video taken of the move out of Bailey's Crossroads can be viewed at:…

  • 2007

    a look back...

    Aerial photograph of part of the George Mason University, Fairfax campus published in the Winter 2007 issue of The Mason Spirit, on page 28. In the right-hand frame the George W. Johnson Learning Center can be seen. Above it, Patriot Center and Innovation Hall. In the center of the frame,…

  • 1968

    a look back...

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