“Curiosities and Oddities,” the new exhibit at the Class of 1945 Library, features a sampling of some of the unique objects and collectibles that have been presented to the Academy over the years. Since it is difficult to include these items in our other exhibits, we decided to put them together in an exhibit of their own.

How often does one get to see an authentic set of figures representing a Chinese funeral procession, a piece of wood used to make Napoleon’s coffin, or a money purse that belonged to John Phillips? The exhibit also features such interesting items as a sheet of papyrus in Greek, Chinese gouache paintings, a book measuring just 5 millimeters by 7 millimeters, sashes worn by Civil War soldiers, an album of photographs of Civil War soldiers and senators, and some bronze Napoleonic medals.

Among the items that have been brought out from the Academy Archives are several items belonging to John and Elizabeth Phillips, the founders of the Academy; a cane, made from the building’s ruins, that was presented by the students to the principal after the main Academy Building burned in 1870; athletic memorabilia; class pins and rings; and items that were collected because of their connection with an alumnus. Other cases include items from Exeter fraternities, commemorative items with images of Academy scenes and symbols, and examples of additional Exeter-related realia, created by alumni/ae classes in connection with their reunions.

The exhibit, arranged by Assistant Librarian and Academy Archivist Edouard Desrochers, is on display in Rockefeller Hall and in the exhibit case in the entrance area of the library through March 2008.

For further information, please contact Academy Librarian Jacquelyn Thomas at (603) 777-3328.

Campaign tchotchke, half frog, half man, of  Benjamin Franklin Butler (class of 1829), presidential candidate in 1884 of the Greenback and Anti-Monopoly Parties