Students can explore the life of Theodore Roosevelt at Mossey Library’s newest exhibit, displayed in the Hoynak Room and Heritage Room.

The library acquired the exhibit from lifelong collector Fritz R. Gordner this summer, according to Markie Repp, library technician for Archives and Special Collections. The exhibit began in honor of Roosevelt’s 164th birthday on Oct. 27 and will be on display into January. 

“The Fritz R. Gordner collection is actually listed on the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library under research where they list the repositories of Teddy’s information like Harvard, his alum, and the Library of Congress,” Repp said. “So, outside of being a government institution or one of his historical heritage institutions, it’s a very significant collection to have.”

The collection includes objects from Roosevelt’s life and campaign, including hundreds of post cards, campaign button pins and ribbons, and two banners once hung at the Republican Convention, according to Repp. 

“The exhibit is a collective look at Theodore Roosevelt’s rather extraordinary life through different political objects and memorabilia,” Repp said. “There are so many unique objects in it that it is a very valuable asset to our curriculum and our holdings.” 

Miles Smith IV, assistant professor of history, said historical artifacts are valuable for the college to possess and for people studying history to explore. 

“If you’re someone who’s interested in history, it is completely worthwhile having those physical things that you can, if not touch, at least see and interact with,” Smith said.

Junior Abigail Stonestreet, a history major, said visiting the exhibit brought Roosevelt to life for her. 

“I thought it was really well put together,” Stonestreet said. “My only impression of Roosevelt before this was Robin Williams in ‘Night at the Museum,’ and now I feel like I know the real Roosevelt.”

Repp said seeing artifacts brings history to life in a way that reading about it doesn’t. 

“Reading about history is one thing, but when you can see it and touch it, that’s another thing,” Repp said. 

According to Repp, Roosevelt’s story is worth understanding. 

“Roosevelt is just a dynamic character who really stands out in American history — enough that he’s on Mount Rushmore with the Founding Fathers and Abraham Lincoln,” Repp said. “He’s just an incredible figure in our history, and whether you like him or not, there’re a lot of neat items to see.”