Mission Statement

Brown University is distinguished by the historic character of its campus. The architecture of the University and the fine and decorative arts that furnish its buildings date from every period of Brown's history. These historic properties have value to the University for several reasons:
  • they are the physical embodiment of Brown's identity, demonstrating a continuity between the University today and its historical past on College Hill
  • they are an important part of the public image of the University, through the impression they give of the stability and the quality of life over time to visitors, prospective students, alumni, and other donors
  • they serve the cause of donor relations, by demonstrating to alumni and friends that their gifts to the University have an integral and cherished place on the campus
  • their aesthetic value visually enhances the campus, making it a gracious and attractive place
  • they have intellectual value, as materials for the study of the cultural history of more than two centuries of art, architecture, and the built environment
  • they have monetary value, representing millions of dollars worth of investment by the University or of the gifts of its donors over the years

For these reasons, Brown must preserve and enhance its historic properties while actively employing them in the overall mission of the University. It accomplishes this through the offices of the University Curator, who is charged with protecting, preserving, interpreting, and developing the University's historic properties.

LAST MODIFIED: March 21, 2006
© 2003, Brown University Library. All rights reserved.
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