Special Collections is inviting the Maverick community to take a step "Out of the Box" with its latest exhibit, now open on the sixth floor of Central Library. The exhibit shines a spotlight on some of the unique treasures in UTA Libraries' archives, from early Texas history to modern-day Mavericks. 

"With the fall semester underway and so many new students on campus, this exhibit is the perfect way to show off the depth of our collections and the incredible resources available here in the Libraries," said Evan Spencer, Outreach and Instruction Archivist. "Out of the Box is a true celebration of our archives, covering an amazing range of materials." 

What makes this exhibit stand out is its collaborative spirit. Instead of a single curator, every member of the Special Collections team had the chance to select items that resonated with them. The result is a vibrant mix of stories, objects, and history that reflects the team's diverse perspectives. 

Alongside traditional maps and historic documents, visitors will discover unexpected gems, like a pair of gloves worn by Jim Hayes, legendary coach of UTA's championship-winning wheelchair basketball team, the Movin' Mavs. In the 1970s, Hayes launched an awareness campaign that took him on an unforgettable journey: rolling his wheelchair from Austin to Arlington. His well-worn gloves, now on display, carry the spirit of resilience and determination that defines the Maverick experience. 

The exhibit also includes presidential signatures, Bill Clinton's and George W. Bush's. Bush's signature is on a thank-you letter he wrote to Arlington Mayor Elzie Odom following the September 11 attacks, after Odom sent him items from the city. 

And then there are the Maverick horns, an iconic piece of UTA's history. Once part of the university's mascot costume, they were challenging to display because of their size, but they now stand proudly as a favorite attraction among visitors. 

"We're used to showcasing more two-dimensional items, maps, books, documents, but getting the horns on display was a fun challenge," Spencer said. "They've already sparked a lot of excitement." 

The “Out of the Box” exhibit is open now through January in Special Collections on the sixth floor of Central Library. Visitors are welcome Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whether it's presidential signatures, Maverick memorabilia, or gloves that rolled across Texas, there's something here for everyone to discover. Step inside Special Collections and see what happens when we think outside the box.