The MIT History Collection is comprised of objects, archival material, photographs, and film that document both student and faculty life, as well as MIT’s role in the development of science, technology, and engineering. The collection is comprised photos, audio-visual and media elements, and objects donated by MIT students, alumni, faculty, and academic departments.

The photographic and archival collections broadly chronicle and depict the history of science and technology from the mid 19th century to the present. These include material on past faculty members and students, student life, hacks, events, departmental histories, and campus development. collection includes film and video footage from the 1920s through the 1980s, covering topics such as fraternity life, alumni reunions, faculty interviews, and audio of speeches, interviews, and MIT events. The memorabilia collection reflects a range of student and faculty life across history and departments. It includes objects such as trophies, buttons, T-shirts, invitations, and beavers (the school’s mascot) and brass rats (the nickname for the graduating class ring). It also includes official portraits of senior administrative staff and faculty and posters for events ranging from theatrical performances to political demonstrations.