Archives Gallery

Several tables and chairs in the library with artwork on the left side and books lining the right side.

The NSF NCAR Archives Gallery at the Mesa Lab is located on the second floor in the library. The gallery features ongoing exhibits, including photographs and artifacts spanning the history of the institution. Visit the NSF NCAR Archives website to learn more about the archives and explore online exhibits.

Featured Topics

  • Discover the history of the Mesa Lab and its design.
  • Rotating exhibits provide a deep dive into past field campaigns, science experiments, and more of UCAR and NSF NCAR's history.
  • Framed photographs and art line the walls of the library. Each offers unique perspectives and frozen points in time from the history of UCAR and NSF NCAR.

Interactives

The physical interactives listed below are just a few of the many throughout this exhibit!

  • Be transported back to 1967 and take a seat in the original Mesa Lab lobby furniture, which was designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929.
  • The ENCAR (Enclosed Cryocondenser for Air Recovery) Sampler is resting ajar to show its function of collecting large air samples from the tip of a rocket.
  • Inspect the modern replica of an intricate Florentine Thermometer, originally made in Italy in the mid-seventeenth century.
  • Read a book, take a seat, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the library.

Touchscreen

The touchscreen at the front desk of the library highlights the history of NSF NCAR and UCAR through online exhibits.

The touchscreen at the front desk of the library highlights the history of NSF NCAR and UCAR through online exhibits.