BRIDGEWATER, VA (Bridgewater College) — A new exhibition at Bridgewater College (BC) traces the historic origins and changing style of the College’s mascot. “Time Travel with Ernie: The Life and Legacy of Ernie the Eagle” runs from October 23, 2026, through April 9, 2027, in the Forrer Learning Commons on the BC campus.

This exhibit is timed to coincide with the introduction of a newly refreshed Ernie the Eagle at BC’s Homecoming festivities on Saturday, October 24.

According to Special Collections Librarian Stephanie Gardner, curator of the exhibit, the eagle was first suggested as a college emblem around 1922 by a BC student named C.E. May. Longtime locals might recognize that name, as May taught English at BC for many years and served as Mayor of the Town of Bridgewater from 1958-68.

The eagle was originally used as a symbol on college uniforms and t-shirts, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that the eagle emerged as a costumed mascot, and the 1980s before the mascot was officially named Ernie. Since then, Ernie the Eagle has appeared at Homecoming and campus events and has served as a source of school pride.

“Ernie is a lovable shared figure that every student and alumnus can rally around,” Gardner said. “Ernie is a friend to all of the BC Eagles.”

The exhibit is free to view and is open to visitors on the lower level of the Forrer Learning Commons whenever the building is open to the public.

A calendar of library service hours is at https://libguides.bridgewater.edu. Check ahead for holiday hours and weather closures.