NC State University Graduate Views Grandmother's Cheerleading Uniform

Granddaughter viewing uniform

Graduation is a time for students to reflect on their journey at NC State University. For many, the scope of their thoughts can span numerous generations. This past December, the granddaughter of former Wolfpack cheerleader Elizabeth Frazier Bartholomew graduated. As part of the celebration, the family asked to view the uniform that Elizabeth wore in 1947, which is preserved in the North Carolina State University, Memorabilia Collection (UA 020). The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) was more than happy to oblige. While examining the uniform, the family took photographs, asked questions, and physically interacted with the materials, becoming emotional at times while viewing the uniform and remembering her. 

This story highlights how people can find their personal or family histories in archives, and bring their memories of loved ones to life in new ways. The SCRC was lucky that the Bartholomews reached out to us, and the family was able to know about this uniform through our efforts to make collections accessible through collection guides, outreach, and making digitized materials open to the public.  

More NC State University artifacts like Elizabeth Frazier Bartholomew's cheerleading uniform can be found in the University Archives, and in the North Carolina State University, Memorabilia Collection (UA 020). The collection contains materials related to the history of the university, with items ranging in scope from Coke bottles commemorating the 1983 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship to flags flown in the 1987 Campus Centennial Celebration, and ranging in size from pennants to whole pieces of furniture. Additionally, the NC State University Libraries' Rare and Unique Digital Collections houses and provides online access to thousands of digitized historic photographs, architectural drawings, yearbooks, and archival materials that document life at NC State University and throughout North Carolina.

For more information on any collection and to view materials from SCRC, please contact us.