The University of Rochester's Rush Rhees Library is currently displaying three exhibitions that crystallize local history of the past century and a half.
In the Department of Rare Books, Special Collections and Preservation, located on the library's second floor, a display of the "150 Treasures from the Libraries" has returned. Created last fall to commemorate the founding of the University 150 years ago, the exhibit showcases many artifacts from collections of the River Campus libraries, the Sibley Music Library, and the Edward G. Miner Medical Library. The display includes letters, photos, journals, and first-edition publications. It also displays historical artifacts, such as a medal presented in 1900 to then University President Rush Rhees, and George Washington's Revolutionary War journal. The display, which will continue through May, is open during the department's regular hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
"A Century of Women," an exhibition in the Great Hall, also located on the second floor of the library, chronicles 100 years of contributions made by the women at the University, including archival records, photographs and artifacts. The exhibit marks 100 years since women have been admitted to the University.
In the Friedlander Lobby of the library, an exhibit titled "Early Maps of Rochester, Monroe County, and New York State" brings to life local history with some of the first maps of Rochester, showing the development of the region though the 19th century.
"A Century of Women" and the early maps display can be seen during regular library hours: 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 1 a.m. Sunday. The exhibits are free and open to the public.