New archives exhibit opens for Homecoming 2024 in the Clayton Center
Maryville College, known for its deep historical roots and commitment to community enrichment, has recently unveiled an exhibit at the Clayton Center for the Arts that reflects the institution’s rich heritage.
The archives exhibit, opened as part of this year’s Founder’s Day and Homecoming celebrations, showcases an array of artifacts, documents, and visual displays that bring to life over 200 years of Maryville College history. Located in the DENSO Gallery, this exhibit is set to offer an immersive experience for students, alumni, and community members alike, connecting past achievements to ongoing legacies.
The exhibit plays a special role in this year’s Homecoming celebrations, marking the college’s 205th anniversary with an emphasis on milestones that resonate with both alumni and current students. Items on display are carefully curated to highlight Maryville College’s role in the development of higher education in Tennessee, as well as its contributions to national movements in education, social justice and the arts.
The collection includes rare photographs, historical college publications, and original documents detailing significant moments in the college’s history, such as the development of the groundbreaking ASL-English Interpreting program, which was the first of its kind in the nation when established in 1974.
Jennifer Triplett, director of alumni affairs, emphasized the exhibit’s ability to foster connection, explaining that Homecoming provides a unique opportunity for alumni to reflect on their own memories while engaging with the legacy of newer generations.
“Homecoming is literally the most special time of year,” said Triplett. “So many alumni, students, faculty, staff, and members of the community come together to celebrate our shared love of Maryville College.”
The archives display is complemented by performances from student groups such as the Concert Choir and MC Theatre, bringing to life Maryville’s continuing dedication to fine arts and cultural engagement within the student body. Founder’s Day activities also include awards for distinguished alumni, whose contributions extend the college’s mission well beyond campus boundaries.
For Maryville College students, the archives exhibit offers an educational experience that ties classroom learning to the college’s historical mission. For instance, students studying history, art and sociology have the chance to observe archival practices in action and to analyze real documents that illustrate the historical context of their fields.
Meanwhile, alumni visiting the gallery can reminisce about their own experiences at Maryville, with items like yearbooks and vintage photographs sparking nostalgic conversations and reflections on how the campus has evolved.
The exhibit and Homecoming celebrations illustrate the college’s commitment to “do good on the largest possible scale,” honoring the legacy of founder Rev. Isaac Anderson. Alumni in particular are invited to celebrate milestone reunions, including those of the classes of 1964, 1974, and 1984, as well as marking half a century of achievements in the ASL program. Homecoming events in the Clayton Center showcase student performances, historical exhibits, and opportunities to reconnect with faculty and friends.
These events are part of a larger, ongoing effort by Maryville College to preserve and promote its long-standing heritage, with the Clayton Center acting as both a community hub and an educational resource.