The exhibit provides insight into the intriguing life of Miles Rock, who, much like today’s students, reacted to the world around, pursued an education, and subsequently a career that took him around the globe. It includes photographs and correspondence from the archive, telling first-hand the story of the life of Miles Rock, the only Lehigh student to have served in the American Civil War. The exhibit includes maps drawn by him, letters written between his family members, and examples of Miles’ work as both an astronomer and a surveyor. Artifacts are displayed in Linderman Library with selected reproductions to come in Fairchild-Martindale Library, giving visitors the unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of one of Lehigh’s earliest graduates.

Miles Rock completed his engineering education at Lehigh and was hired as an instructor. One of his earliest assignments was to create a map of the Friedensville Zinc Mine. Among Miles Rock’s most significant professional accomplishments was delineating the border between Mexico and Guatemala.

Lehigh Libraries acknowledges the work of History doctoral candidate Casey Kies who served as guest curator for this exhibit, as well as the gift of this remarkable collection from Christopher Grace and David Grace, great-great grandsons of Miles Rock. Through partnerships with faculty, clubs, and the Friends of the Lehigh University Libraries, Lehigh Libraries Special Collections will offer a number of related programs this spring. Follow Special Collections on social media and check the LTS website for updates and details. A Friends of the Libraries talk as well as other community engagement programs are in the works for later in the semester.

The exhibit will be on display through July 12, 2024 during regular building hours and online. For more information please contact Special Collections.