Campus organizations hold first-annual History Fair

On March 31, several clubs and interest groups came together for Maryville College’s first-annual History Fair.

The History Club created the event to honor Maryville College’s long and diverse history and raise money for the renovation of Anderson Hall.

As MC senior Michael Arpino explained, the fair was a collaborative idea.

“This was a collective idea that germinated while I was talking with my friends, some of whom are history majors and some who aren’t,” Aprino said.  “However, we all love history, and we all practically live in Anderson Hall, so we wanted to do something to give back.”

A variety of MC supporters were in attendance, including alumni, professors, students, and children and friends of all ages.

The schedule of the day began when the bell tower rang at noon to open the event.

MC alumna Martha Hess gave a speech on the history of Anderson Hall’s two bells.

Additionally, attendants were free to wander among collections of archival material, some of which had not seen the light of day in years.

According to Arpino, History was the star of the day.

“We are trying to make history accessible to everyone,” Aprino said. “We’re starting with the very tangible history, and then maybe drawing on some of the context that Anderson Hall has in the world.”

All events focused on nineteenth- and early twentieth-century history. For example, Anderson Hall’s first bell was on display.

Alumni historians organized archival material for display, the Physical Plant helped fix the bell, Psi Chi was on hand to give historically accurate psychological evaluations, the Gourmet Club served tasty treats and several student-artists drew Victorian pictures.

The History Club hopes to repeat the event again next year.

“We hope to start something good,” Arpino said. “This would be a good tradition for the college.”