University Libraries

Library exhibit showcases Penn State Mont Alto’s history as forestry school

Artifacts from Penn State Mont Alto’s history as the Pennsylvania State Forest Academy are on display in the Mont Alto Campus Library’s exhibit, “Mementos and Memories: Exploring the Artifacts of Mont Alto’s Past,” on display through spring semester 2025. Credit: Kristi Addleman Ritter / Penn State. Creative Commons

MONT ALTO, Pa. — Penn State Mont Alto has a rich history from its beginnings as the Pennsylvania State Forest Academy, one of the first public forestry schools in the nation. Visitors to the campus can experience that history up close through the Mont Alto Campus Library’s current exhibit, “Mementos and Memories: Exploring the Artifacts of Mont Alto’s Past,” and complementing virtual display.

Located on the second floor of the library at 320 Campus Drive, the archival exhibit highlights artifacts and documents from the campus archives, including tools, uniforms, accessories and more.

“As the oldest of the Commonwealth Campuses, Penn State Mont Alto has an extensive archives collection dating back to the early 1900s,” said Kristi Addleman Ritter, research and instruction librarian, who assembled the exhibit. “These materials are indispensable in telling the story of our campus. They help to illustrate historical aspects of campus culture, athletics and academics that would be harder to show otherwise.”

The physical exhibit will be on display through spring semester 2025 during the library’s normal hours of operation.

The Mont Alto Campus Library’s varied special collections include a compilation of resources related to forestry education in Pennsylvania, curated by Tom Reinsfelder, head librarian.

As part of Penn State University Libraries, the Mont Alto Campus Library has access to the Libraries’ entire collection of books, journals and databases, through which they can help students and faculty find material for their projects and research. Pennsylvania residents are eligible to register for a resident borrower card at any Penn State library by presenting a valid photo ID.

For more information, call Addleman Ritter at 717-749-6042 or email kra132@psu.edu.

Last Updated October 1, 2024