To celebrate 30 years of gathering and preserving UP’s history, the UP Archives has curated a special exhibition called UP ARC-HIVE, which is open to the public.

Thirty years ago, on 13 September 1994, the University of Pretoria (UP) Archives was officially established to serve as the University’s memory bank. To celebrate 30 years of gathering and preserving UP’s history, the Archives has marked its anniversary with the opening of the UP ARC-HIVE Exhibition. 

Inspired by the UP Archives logo – a bee within a hexagon, taken from UP’s coat of arms – the exhibition presents a ‘hive’ of archival treasures gathered over the past three decades. Covering more than a century of historical material, the exhibition showcases the work of UP Archives and the variety of records contained in its collections. The exhibition, which opened on 13 September 2024, gives guests the opportunity to explore a sample of UP’s history contained within the Archives holdings.

In addition to the UP ARC-HIVE Exhibition, guests can also visit A Night at the Archive, which gives school learners a hands-on taste of the Archives. This unique experiential exhibition aims to introduce learners to the work of UP Archives and offers a trail of clues for intrepid researchers and curious visitors.

Both exhibitions were devised for the occasion by UP Archives Director Professor Karen Harris, and brought to life by UP Archives staff members. The exhibition was also made possible by the generous sponsorship of York Timbers, Rubio, RAW, Durrant Printing Solutions, PDBY, UP Registrar Prof Caroline Nicholson and Prof Carolina Koornhof of UP’s Executive.

“The exhibition offers a glimpse into the hive of activity that the UP Archives represents,” Prof Harris says. “Besides being a legally compliant entity within the University infrastructure, the archive is an active role player in the preservation of UP’s evolving identity as well as instrumental in the commemoration of the institution’s various milestones and achievements. In addition, as honorary doctorate recipient Verne Harris indicated, ‘archives are justice’, and therefore hold the institution accountable. Moreover, the archive plays an active and integral role in a number of modules offered across a range of faculties, teaching students unique research skills.”

UP staff, students and other visitors are invited to celebrate this milestone with UP Archives by visiting the exhibition. The exhibition is being held at the Javett Art Centre at UP and will be open until 18 October 2024. Contact UP Campus Tours students at [email protected] or call 012 420 5155 to make a booking. For a virtual tour of the exhibit follow this link: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=tqBpEXRGPoQ