The collection comprises historical images relating to Syracuse University between the 1890s and the 1950s. Glass plate was the first type of negative used by photographers before the invention of cellulose nitrate film in the early 1900s. The images in this collection cover a wide range of Syracuse University history, including the campus grounds and surrounding area, athletic events, and student traditions such as Moving Up Day. Also included are images of the Student Army Training Corps, soldiers who trained on campus during World War I, and the Andean Expedition, a University-sponsored research trip to South America in 1930. This collection of glass plate negatives is housed in the University Archives in the Special Collections Research Center. Its finding aid can be viewed here.

Historical records are evidence of the time in which they were created and may contain language and images that are racist, homophobic, sexist, ableist, or otherwise derogatory and insensitive. This collection is presented for its historic and research value. Viewers may find some content objectionable.