Flat Files Collection, 1754-2017

Summary Information

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in fourteen series.

• Series I. Academics, 1754-2004, bulk 1985-2004
• Series II. Alumni, 1907-1925
• Series III. Athletics, 1873-1973
• Series IV. Buildings and Grounds, 1773-1971, bulk 1910s-1960s
• Series V. Events, 1802-2016, bulk 1890s-1960s
• Series VI. Founding Anniversaries, 1887-2004
• Series VII. Illustrations and Artwork, 1870-1970s, 1910-1930
• Series VIII. Performing Arts
• Series IX. Politics & Protest, 1762-1972, bulk 1910s-1960s
• Series X. Portraits, 1865-1998
• Series XI. Publications, 1756-1988, bulk 1880s-1960s
• Series XII. Biographical Files-Oversize, 1906-1971
• Series XIII. Subject Files-Oversize, 1910-2004
• Series XIV. Symbols, 1893-1990s

Description

Summary

This artificial collection consists of oversized posters, maps, newspapers, drawings, floor plans and architectural plans related to Columbia events, people and locations. The collection has been organized by subject matter.

• Series I. Academics, 1754-2004, bulk 1985-2004

  This series contains oversize materials related to the academic life of the University: from organizational charts to admissions and curriculum information. It includes the original 1754 advertisement of the King's College's plan of Education.

• Series II. Alumni, 1907-1925

  This series includes oversize materials from alumni class reunions.

• Series III. Athletics, 1873-1973

  This series includes oversize posters, athletic programs, team portraits, and newspaper clippings related to a variety of different sports played by Columbia students.

• Series IV. Buildings and Grounds, 1773-1971, bulk 1910s-1960s

  This series, the largest in the collection, includes oversize lithographs, prints, architectural drawings, renderings, studies, maps, graphs, floor plans, watercolors, newsprint, illustrations, flyers, posters, and set designs. For additional materials, please consult the Columbia University architectural drawings, 1888-1957 at the Avery Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library.

• Series V. Events, 1802-2016, bulk 1890s-1960s

  This series includes oversize posters from various events such as dances, performances, convocations, talks, exhibitions, films, opening exercises and other events and campus celebrations. There are also fraternity charters and society certificates.

• Series VI. Founding Anniversaries, 1887-2004

  This series contains oversize materials from Columbia University's founding anniversary celebrations and those of the different schools (Architecture, Columbia College, Engineering, etc.). For additional materials, please consult the Columbia University Founding Anniversaries Collection, 1837-2004.

• Series VII. Illustrations and Artwork, 1870-1970s, 1910-1930

  This collection mostly features the oversize artwork which appeared in the yearbook and student publications.

• Series VIII. Performing Arts

  This series contains posters and oversize artwork from the different performing groups on campus, including the Glee Club, the Columbia Players, and the Varsity Show.

• Series IX. Politics & Protest, 1762-1972, bulk 1910s-1960s

  From King George II proclamation (1762) to the Graduate Student Union strike (2018), this series covers a wide range of events. It consists of posters, speeches, publications and protest signs.

• Series X. Portraits, 1865-1998

  This series includes drawings, prints, cartoons, illustrations and photographs of portraits of Columbians.

• Series XI. Publications, 1756-1988, bulk 1880s-1960s

  This series includes special oversize editions of publications, newspapers and magazines.

• Series XII. Biographical Files-Oversize, 1906-1971

  This series contains oversize material that would normally be included in the individual's Historical Biographical File.

• Series XIII. Subject Files-Oversize, 1910-2004

  This series contains oversize material that would normally be included in the subject's Historical Subject File.

• Series XIV. Symbols, 1893-1990s

  This series contains oversize materials related to the University symbols including the coat of arms, seal, crown and lion.

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Flat Files Collection; Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Related Materials

Buildings and Grounds; Columbia University calendars; Historical Biographical Files; Historical Subject Files; Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education records; Varsity Show Records; Columbia University architectural drawings, 1888-1957 at the Dept. of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library

Accrual

Additions are expected.

Materials have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact uarchives@columbia.edu for more information.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

2017.2018.M054: Source of acquisition--Roberto Ferrari. Method of acquisition--Transfer; Date of acquisition--9/14/2017.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Victoria Wiet (GSAS 2018) and Jessica Liston (CC 2020). Finding aid written by Jocelyn Wilk in December 2018 and Joanna Rios in May 2019.

Revision Description

2019-05-14 File created.

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Historical Note

The Flat Files Collection is an artificial collection compiled by Columbiana curators and University Archives staff over the years.