Historical Treasure to be Found in the Centenary Campus Archives

Located in the basement-- likened to that of an underground vault-- of Centenary University’s campus library is a little-known secret… historical treasure. When invited by Janet Zatta, my Experiential Writing professor,  to venture to the depths below the library for a tour of the archives, I honestly had no idea what I’d see or learn. However, once I started to look around, I began to realize that a treasure trove of interesting Centenary history is largely unknown to the Centenary University student body. 

I learned, for instance, that Centenary University (known then as Centenary Collegiate Institute) started as a co-educational preparatory school which was founded in 1867 and admitted its first students in fall of 1874. 

Centenary was one of the first schools chartered by the NJ State Legislature. It later became a women’s only junior college in 1910 in response to the popularity of gender separation. The University, deciding to balance education, opted for educating women over men. A move far ahead of its time. However, given their 156-year run, I’d say they were on to something. 

Even though Centenary did later return to a co-educational campus in 1988, I’d like to think that this school was trying to make a statement.

Now, while Centenary has turned out to house some truly remarkable women, this school has held fast to its beliefs that no matter the gender of its students, excellence has always been the goal. 

Despite gender separation, the tragedy of disastrous fires, and the school’s beginnings based in religion, Centenary has become a campus that invites and cultivates not only diversity, but acceptance of everyone. That, for me, is more than enough reason to return to the archives and seek out the other gems that lie in wait to be discovered.

If you find yourself interested in learning more about the history of Centenary, I encourage you to seek out Colleen Bain,  Centenary University archivist at the Taylor Memorial Library and inquire about a tour through the past.