Columbia University Libraries
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.
Items in 1968: Columbia in Crisis
Our Demands
The six demands of the striking students
Learn MoreProtest outside Hamilton Hall against Marine Corps recruiting
Protest outside Hamilton Hall against Marine Corps recruiting on campus, April 21, 1967.
Learn MoreSATURDAY, April 27
Faculty members talking to students occupying Low Library.
Learn MoreSDS button
Columbia SDS button, 1968
Learn MoreStatement from black students occupying Hamilton Hall
Statement from black students occupying Hamilton Hall that was read by H. Rap Brown on Friday, April 26, 1968
Learn MoreStudents being chased by police
Students being chased by police during the bust, April 30, 1968.
Learn MoreStudents inside occupied Hamilton Hall
Students inside Hamilton Hall during the occupation
Learn MoreSUNDAY, April 28
Color image of crowds outside of occupied Low Library originally printed on the back cover of "Six Weeks That Shook Morningside" published by Columbia College Today (Volume 15, Number 3,1968 Spring)
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