Scope and Contents: The University Archives Artifact Collection is an artificial collection of artifacts and memorabilia documenting and related to the College of William and Mary. Artifacts received by the University Archives that are not part of the records of an individual university department or personal papers are made a part of the University Archives Artifact Collection.
Images of a small number of artifacts are available through the SCRC's Flickr account at http://www.flickr.com/photos/scrc/sets/72157601972522069/.

The University Archives Artifact Collection, from 18th century spectacles to a 20th century plastic frisbee, gives a fascinating tangible view of life and are a rich supplement to the paper records in the SCRC. Most of these highly diverse items are representative of some group or activity at the College, but some are in the SCRC because they were owned by a William and Mary-affiliated person. Most artifacts were donated by alumni or their families.

Twentieth-century materials comprise the bulk of the artifacts collection, including athletic memorabilia, plaques, and general mementos of life as a student. From such items as freshman initiation beanies ("duc" caps) and paddles it is easy to see that students have always been interested in more than just the academic side of college life. Well-represented in the collection is 20th century clothing, including women's gym bloomers, t-shirts, belt buckles, athletic jackets, academic regalia, and baseball uniforms.

The University Archives is also the keeper of such College of William and Mary treasures as the College and Marischal Maces that lead all formal convocations, the Rector's and Chancellor's badges and chains of office, and two of the original stones which marked the boundaries of the College. The maces and badges are usually on display in the SCRC in the Earl Gregg Swem Library.