One Hundred Years of History at the Ricker Library of Architecture and Art

Nathan C. Ricker (1843–1924) was the first person in the United States to receive a degree in architecture in 1873. After earning his degree at the University of Illinois, Ricker went on to become a prominent figure in architecture education—and more specifically at the University of Illinois School of Architecture. He was instrumental in building the early library collection that allowed students in the Midwest to study famous examples of architecture. Upon Ricker’s retirement in 1917, the university honored him by naming the library after him. To mark the 100-year naming anniversary, the author examines the history of the library and its place within the history of architecture education.