Photograph Collection, University of Pennsylvania Archives

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Photograph of Palestra under construction, c. 1926

University Archives and Records Center
University of Pennsylvania

Guide to the
University Photograph Collection, 1872 - c. 1975

UPX 12

Selected images from this collection can be viewed online

How to obtain reproductions of images

Access is granted in accordance with the Protocols for the University Archives and Records Center.

The University Photograph Collection of the University of Pennsylvania Archives includes approximately 23,000 black and white photographs documenting the history of the University. This collection includes images gathered by George E. Nitzsche as Recorder of the University from 1901 to 1944. As the University's sometime "Publicity Agent," he went out of his way to gather and preserve photographs as well as manuscripts, prints and memorabilia related to University history. Other photographs in this collection had their origins in the News Bureau (from the late 1920's to 1985), Alumni organizations and the Athletic Department. Note that photographs are also found in many other University Archives collections.

Local free-lance photographers hired by the Office of the Recorder took many of the earlier images; other photographers include R. Newell and Sons, William Rau, A.P. Cline, E. Moebius, Pierce and Jones, William M. Rittase, Jules Schick and Lawrence Williams.

Photographs in this collection are organized in three series: Buildings, Groups and Events, and Sports. Within each series, photographs are arranged alphabetically by subject.

The Building Series chronicles the University's physical development from the late 1870s through the mid-1970s. It includes interior and exterior views of architecturally significant academic, administrative and residential buildings on campus. Some of the more prominent images include Bennett Hall, Franklin Field, the Furness Library, Houston Hall, Logan Hall, the Quadrangle dormitories, and Weightman Hall.

There are also images of buildings and streetscapes that no longer exist. They include nineteenth century campus views of the Almshouse, the Athletic Fields at 36th and Spruce Streets, Walnut Street, Woodland Avenue, the University Power Plant, Sergeant Hall and Beaston's Store at 3701 Spruce Street.

Interior photo of Cleeman Hall showing Arts and Crafts decor

Photograph of early 20th century dorm bathroom with sink and accessories

1968 photo of students in dormitory suite

The Groups and Events Series documents the academic and social activities on campus. It features photographs of both current and past traditional University events such as Hey Day, Ivy Day, Commencement, Bowl Fights and May Day celebrations. Other categories include dramatic events, medical societies, the Christian Association, student life, World War I and II, and the Zeloscopic Society.

Photograph of 1935 women's crew with Art Museum and city skyline in the background

1942 photograph of Penn students taking enlistment oath on steps of College Hall

The Sports Series is dominated by basketball (1915-1960), crew (1884-1958) and football (1878-1950). The bulk of the earlier images are team photographs.

photo of Meredith winning Freshman 1 mile Relay, 1913

Photograph of two lacrosse players jumpint for the ball in Franklin Field, early 1900s

Photo of ice hockey goalie Frederck S. Klein

Photographs in other University Archives collections

How to obtain reproductions of images

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