Chaplin Hall History
The Norwich University Architecture and Art building, now known as Chaplin Hall, previously housed the University Library. Originally constructed in 1905 with funds donated by Andrew Carnegie, it was completely renovated in 1952 and re-dedicated as the Henry Prescott Chaplin Library after the benefactor.
In 1961-62, this library was renovated again and a significant addition was built to hold the University's expanding collection of books. By 1991, the University was once again cramped for book space, so it constructed the Kreitzberg Library and moved its entire collection there. The Chaplin Library remained vacant for a time.
In 1993, Norwich consolidated the undergraduate students of both its military and civilian campuses into one unified campus. At this point, it was decided the old library would be renovated to become the new home of the Division of Architecture and Art. Students held a design charrette to generate ideas for the renovation of the building. The winning team of three students were invited to work with the architects and faculty to finalize the design. In the fall of 1993, with the $2,000,000 renovation complete, the Division moved into its new home.
