Archives and CMU History

University Libraries Takes Center Stage as a Destination for Theatrical Design History

CMU has long been a leader in performing arts education, with its School of Drama — the first degree-granting drama institution in the U.S. — consistently ranked among the best programs in the world. Now, the University Libraries is expanding its role as a destination for the preservation and study of theatrical design and performance history through major archival acquisitions connected to internationally recognized artists and celebrated Carnegie Mellon alumni.

Libraries Podcast Investigates Avant-Garde Arts in Oakland

The Carnegie Mellon University Libraries is thrilled to announce the third season of “Cut Pathways,” a podcast developed by the Carnegie Mellon University Oral History Program.

Related: Archives and CMU History

“The Wild West of Computing” Live!

CMU Carnival attendees enjoyed the April 7 event, “The Wild West of Computing” Live! An Oral History Podcast Performance from Cut Pathways.

University Libraries Acquires Landmark Edward Gordon Craig Collection from Tony-Honored CMU Alumnus Jules Fisher

As the theatre world celebrates acclaimed lighting designer Jules Fisher with the 2026 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Jules Fisher Collection of Edward Gordon Craig, a major research collection documenting the work of one of the most influential and visionary figures in modern theatre.

Maggie Murph Coffee Meet-Up Photo Gallery

On Saturday morning of Carnival weekend, the Class of 1966, many of whom graduated from Margaret Morrison Carnegie College (affectionately known as “Maggie Murph”), gathered for a reunion breakfast in the recently renovated Maggie Murph Café in Hunt Library.

From the Archives: Football in Pittsburgh

As Pittsburgh prepares to host the 2026 NFL Draft, the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries is looking back at more than a century of football history preserved in the University Archives.

“Buggy to Bots” Photo Gallery

During Spring Carnival, the University Archives hosted a “Buggy to Bots” open house, which showcased Carnegie Mellon University’s history, traditions, and stories that make the CMU community unique. At least 90 people attended the open house, which the university archivists opened early because of how eager attendees were to enter.

University Archives Exhibition Program Expands Across Campus

Four years ago, the University Archives opened its first exhibition in the new gallery space on the first floor of Hunt Library. “Nuts, Bolts, & Wheels: 100+ Years of Buggy” introduced the CMU community to the power of using archival materials to tell stories about the university’s past — and imagine its future.

Digitizing Student Theater History

Lucia Shen is spending their fifth year on Carnegie Mellon University’s campus exploring new ideas and enjoying interdisciplinary work, especially by creating a website to bring current students and alumni closer to the University Archives.

Distinctive Collections highlights a year of research, preservation, and engagement in 2025

The Carnegie Mellon University Libraries’ Distinctive Collections team experienced a year of growth and impact in 2025, expanding research services, strengthening digital preservation infrastructure, and deepening engagement across campus and beyond.