From Andrew Holbrook, Operations and Archives Librarian
Deep in winter, the ground may feel even more solid than usual. But the earth we walk on is not something to take for granted.
The library’s recent exhibit “Grounded: A Look at What’s Beneath Our Feet” explores the significance of what lies on — and below — the surface of the landscape. Among the items on display are a map of Madison’s lakes made more than a century ago, historical soil samples taken from our campus, and even a brightly polished square of the Edgedome’s former floor.
Ground is something to be celebrated. Think, for example, of the groundbreaking ceremonies held to launch new construction projects. Even before breaking ground on DeRicci Hall 65 years ago, the building’s designers drilled holes into the earth to analyze the strength of the site’s rocks and soil. The results of their tests determined the size of the concrete footings required to support the structure’s walls and columns.
Ground is something to be studied — by geologists, archeologists, cartographers, and other scientists. More than a century ago, civil engineering students at the University of Wisconsin surveyed Lake Monona to chart the contours of the land around and below the water. Their measurements formed the basis of a hydrographic map, which helps vessels navigate safely and guides fishers on where to cast their lines.
Ground is something sacred. Over the past three millennia, the ancestors of the Ho-Chunk and other Native nations throughout the Midwest constructed thousands of burial mounds as well as effigy mounds in the shapes of bears, birds, and other animals. Wisconsin has the highest concentration of these spiritual earthworks. Despite desecration and destruction by urban and rural settlers, Madison remains home to approximately 1,300 effigy mounds — including at least 15 around the Edgewood campus.
Fittingly, “Grounded” is located on the first, or ground, floor of the library. When you come through the main entrance, turn left toward the Learning Lab and look for our exhibit case along the wall. The display will remain on view through the spring semester, as the ground slowly begins to thaw.
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From Andrew Holbrook,
Operations and Archives Librarian
Deep in winter, the ground may feel even more solid than usual. But the earth we walk on is not something to take for granted.
The library’s recent exhibit “Grounded: A Look at What’s Beneath Our Feet” explores the significance of what lies on — and below — the surface of the landscape. Among the items on display are a map of Madison’s lakes made more than a century ago, historical soil samples taken from our campus, and even a brightly polished square of the Edgedome’s former floor.
Ground is something to be celebrated. Think, for example, of the groundbreaking ceremonies held to launch new construction projects. Even before breaking ground on DeRicci Hall 65 years ago, the building’s designers drilled holes into the earth to analyze the strength of the site’s rocks and soil. The results of their tests determined the size of the concrete footings required to support the structure’s walls and columns.
Ground is something to be studied — by geologists, archeologists, cartographers, and other scientists. More than a century ago, civil engineering students at the University of Wisconsin surveyed Lake Monona to chart the contours of the land around and below the water. Their measurements formed the basis of a hydrographic map, which helps vessels navigate safely and guides fishers on where to cast their lines.
Ground is something sacred. Over the past three millennia, the ancestors of the Ho-Chunk and other Native nations throughout the Midwest constructed thousands of burial mounds as well as effigy mounds in the shapes of bears, birds, and other animals. Wisconsin has the highest concentration of these spiritual earthworks. Despite desecration and destruction by urban and rural settlers, Madison remains home to approximately 1,300 effigy mounds — including at least 15 around the Edgewood campus.
Fittingly, “Grounded” is located on the first, or ground, floor of the library. When you come through the main entrance, turn left toward the Learning Lab and look for our exhibit case along the wall. The display will remain on view through the spring semester, as the ground slowly begins to thaw.