The Arthur F. McClure Archives and University Museum contains a variety of historical documents and artifacts pertaining to the history of the University of Central Missouri as well as containing other collections that focus on larger histories. The archives and museum serves the University of Central Missouri students as well as the general public. The archives are often frequented by individuals researching genealogy as well as students looking for resources on notable events that occurred during the twentieth century.
Arthur F. McClure II was a professor of history at the University of Central Missouri (formerly Central Missouri State University) after receiving his doctoral degree from the University of Kansas in 1966.[1] McClure wrote histories focusing on the Truman Presidency and the Post-war era. He also was a member of the Historic Preservation Committee in Warrensburg, Missouri. McClure served in Washington, D.C., organizing the Central Archives at the National Archives. The UCM archives and museum were dedicated to Arthur F. McClure II due to his extensive involvement with preservation in the community.
The archives and museum also serves as storage for some of the universities delicate decorative pieces. One such artefact is a mirror that was donated to the university from the 1904 World's Fair. In 1904, Missouri hosted the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis (otherwise known as the 1904 World's Fair). This exhibition had thousands of artifacts that celebrated the centennial of the purchase of the Louisiana Territory in 1904. Different buildings were constructed to celebrate the unique features of the states that grew out of the purchase, including Missouri itself. A mirror from the Missouri building was donated to what is now the University of Central Missouri and has hung in UCM’s recreational facilities for over a century.
The mirror was first placed in the Dockery building that was constructed in 1904 to serve as UCM’s gymnasium. Over the years, the gymnasium has moved from the Dockery building to the new Morrow Student Recreation and Wellness Center. During the construction of the new recreation center, the mirror was held in the McClure Archives. Since construction on the recreation center, the mirror once again decorates the student recreation center.