Charter Day — the annual celebration of the Feb. 15, 1869 signing of the University of Nebraska’s charter — was first observed in 1877. For that inaugural celebration, classes were canceled and activities on campus featured speeches by then-Chancellor Edmund B. Fairfield, faculty and student leaders.
In subsequent years, the celebration has expanded to include members of the public. During Nebraska U’s silver anniversary observance in 1894, the celebration last two days, with special programming and campus tours that allowed visitors to explore campus and interact with faculty and students. And, for the university’s 150th anniversary in 2019, the university hosted a weeklong series of activities (from lively lectures to a musical celebration). The 150th anniversary also signaled the launch of Glow Big Red, an opportunity for Husker Nation to celebrate the university and give back through donations to the University of Nebraska Foundation.
Learn more about the 2023 Charter Day celebration, which is Feb. 15-16.
“From the Archives” is a weekly feature in Nebraska Today. Images are provided by Traci Robison, outreach archivist and assistant professor of practice with Archives and Special Collections in the University Libraries. Explore the Archives and Special Collections online. For more information, contact Troy Fedderson at tfedderson2@unl.edu or 402-472-8515.
