Exhibit Highlights UNH Marching Band History

An exhibit commemorating 120 years of the University of New Hampshire’s marching band is now on display in the main lobby of Dimond Library.

The Wildcat Marching Band traces its history to the formation of a band within the then-New Hampshire College's military department on April 2, 1906. The record documenting that formation is included in the exhibit, along with a mellophone and uniform items from the 1980s and 1990s. Exhibit materials are borrowed from Wildcat Marching Band Historic Wardrobe, UNH Athletic Bands closet, and Milne Special Collections & Archives.

The exhibit was curated by undergraduate Evan Christensen ‘27, a member of the Wildcat Marching Band during its 2024 and 2025 seasons and chair of the band’s historical committee during the 2025-26 academic year. With guidance from University Archivist Kai Uchida, Christensen curated the materials, decided on the display layout, and wrote the exhibit text and item labels. 

“Evan’s excellent new exhibit on the history of the marching band is a perfect example of the types of partnerships that Special Collections and Archives would love to cultivate with classes, student groups, and organizations across campus,” says Uchida. “The subject of the display is an ideal fit for the start of our new semester and demonstrates a wonderful part of our school spirit.”

All library exhibits are available for viewing during library hours. Visitors can learn more about the University Archives on the library website.