Public Display of Private Passions
Most of the time, you don't want your private passions on display for everyone to see - unless you happen to be Paul Mellon.
In May, the late philanthropist donated one third of his personal library to the University, which shares the donation with Yale and the Virginia Historical Society.
Mellon's library contains approximately 2,000 books, manuscripts and maps that catalogue the history of America from its colonization to its division during the Civil War.
The University's part of the collection is on exhibit in the McGregor Room in Special Collections on the second floor of Alderman library as "Private Passions, Public Legacy," and will be open to the public until August 15.
The exhibit of rare items includes original letters by Thomas Jefferson, Christopher Columbus' first-hand account of landing in America and a signed transcript from the court trial of the abolitionist John Brown.
Michael Plunkett, director of Special Collections, says Mellon's love of Virginia led him to include the University as a recipient of his personal library.
"He was very attached to his home state," Plunkett said.
Plunkett noted that Mellon's donation will benefit scholarly research at the University.
"It's important that students have access to the primary materials," he said.
Visitors can view the exhibit 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
-Sam Bresnahan
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