Friday, September 01, 2000

WILMINGTON, NC -- Randall Library at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington is hosting two exhibits which focus on local history and national politics.

"Look How We've Changed" is a display of historic photos documenting student and campus life at UNC Wilmington during the past 50 years. Items displayed include pictures contrasting the construction of Hanover Hall gymnasium in 1963 with the building of the Student Recreation Center which was completed in April. The 1980s version of the Seahawk mascot costume, past yearbooks, catalogs and newspapers are also part of the exhibit which will be displayed through Oct. 15 in the lobby of Randall Library.

The exhibit "Whistlestop: Advancing the 1976 President Ford Campaign" features highlights from a collection by Wilmington native Wilbur D. Jones, Jr. The display focuses on several events from the spring and summer of 1976 including President Gerald Ford's Michigan Whistlestop Tour, the bicentennial celebration in New York and the visit by Queen Elizabeth II. In addition to original photographs, the presentation incorporates text detailing Jones' memories of these historical events. The exhibit will be on display Sept. 1 through Dec. 15 in the library's Special Collections which is open to the pubic from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Jones, a retired Navy captain, is a well-known military historian. He is working on his 13th publication, A Sentimental Journey, which is a history of Wilmington during World War II. Jones was involved in California and national politics serving as an assistant and advance representative for President Ford in 1975-76.

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For more information, contact Andy Dutka, coordinator of special collections and archives, at 910/962-3276.