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The occupation of five buildings in April 1968 marked a sea change in the relationships among Columbia University administration, its faculty, its student body, and its neighbors. Featuring documents, photographs, and audio from the University Archives, 1968: Columbia in Crisis examines the the causes, actions, and aftermath of a protest that captivated the campus, the nation, and the world. This online exhibition is based upon a physical exhibition of the same name which was on display in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library from March 17 to August 1, 2008. Unless otherwise noted, all images and documents are from collections found in the Columbia University Archives.

Image of 1968: Columbia in Crisis

Items in 1968: Columbia in Crisis

Image of Associate Dean, Alex B. Platt to Columbia College student Ted Gold, April 5, 1968

Associate Dean, Alex B. Platt to Columbia College student Ted Gold, April 5, 1968

Letter from Associate Dean, Alex B. Platt to Columbia College student, Ted Gold, April 5, 1968.

Learn More Image of Brochure: "The New Gymnasium"

Brochure: "The New Gymnasium"

Brochure: "The New Gymnasium" Cross section of proposed gymansium that highlights the inequality between the Columbia and community spaces.

Learn More Image of Button: "I Have a Dream," 1968. Courtesy of Frank da Cruz, '71GS, '76E

Button: "I Have a Dream," 1968. Courtesy of Frank da Cruz, '71GS, '76E

Among the startling succession of events that rocked the nation in the spring of 1968 - and exacerbated tensions on campus - was the assassination of civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Learn More Image of Circular: "Tired? Tired? Tired?"

Circular: "Tired? Tired? Tired?"

Students for Free Campus announcing their counter-protest to the SDS sponsored rally

Learn More Image of Columbia Daily Spectator, April 30

Columbia Daily Spectator, April 30

The Columbia Daily Spectator. 30 April 1968, front page

Learn More Image of Crowds Leaving MLK Memorial Service

Crowds Leaving MLK Memorial Service

Crowds leaving St. Paul's Chapel after the the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial service, April 9, 1968.

Learn More Image of Dean Henry Coleman

Dean Henry Coleman

Dean Henry Coleman

Learn More Image of Dean, Alex B. Platt to Columbia University students in Hamilton Hall

Dean, Alex B. Platt to Columbia University students in Hamilton Hall

Letter from Associate Dean, Alex B. Platt to Columbia University students in Hamilton Hall, April 24, 1968.

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