This collection represents the recovery of artifacts from the area surrounding the Arch at the entrance to the University of Georgia at the intersection of College and Broad Street. Organized into fourteen containers, the materials are most readily classified according to physical type. By volume, the largest series in the assemblage is the assortment of candles and various forms of candleholders. The candles themselves vary in color and size, though white candles are a clear majority by volume. Red and blue candles are substantially less plentiful, with a handful in such different hues as green, purple, gold, orange, and multicolored. Though most candleholders are made of glass, they also come in various metal iterations. There is a small collection of votive candles, both inside of decorated bags, and freestanding, and of devotional candles with religious themes. There was also a hurricane lantern left. Because burning candles were an integral part of the site in its original location, the problem of melted wax, especially with regard to other artifacts, is significant. The second largest series by volume is the text materials. These textural artifacts range in size from a 2" square drawing to 22" x 28" posters. Some of these materials are framed, and others were simply laid at the memorial site. As mentioned earlier, wax impregnation is an issue for some of these artifacts, as is some loss of material due to in situ burning. While some of these materials are identified by contributor, the great majority of them are anonymous. Of particular interest is the spiral sketchbook (UA 01-021:4.14), a 66-page notebook originally used as a practice sketchbook, which became something of a repository for the collective consciousness of those who visited the site and wished to leave a message. There were significant floral and other plant materials left at the site. Of those perishable items such as floral and other materials, a representative sampling of whole bouquet and gathered petals was taken and preserved. There were, in addition, a small number of paper and fabric floral offerings that were also preserved. Other items left included clothing, flags, photographs, and jewelry, including a rosary (UA 01-021:1). After the transfer of the collection, two items were left at the Main Library display site: a Marine Corps emblem and a small red, white, and blue bracelet. In the collection, these items have been organized in such a way so that the lead items in the collection are key text artifacts and working papers used in recovering and processing the collection, including photographs taken on September 19 and September 21 at the Arch site, both documenting the collection in situ, and its recovery and transfer on September 21st. Of particular interest in these slides are materials which could not be transferred from the original memorial site location, including various chalk inscriptions. In addition, the photos show the original positional relationship of the artifacts in their original context. Ultimately, the scope and content of the physical components of this collection are less important than the emotional scope and content represented by how those who contributed to this memorial shared their feelings in this time of shared crisis.
