About the Collection

In late 2018 Upton Bell donated his collection of sport artifacts and memorabilia to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His collection is housed with the university's other sport collections focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship in Special Collections and University Archives at the Du Bois Library. His personal connection to each item, whether through his own career in sports or through his father's career as a NFL league owner and Commissioner, provides a glimpse into the history of football over the last 100 years. 

The collection includes approximately 125 items, with a selection of items, including the Baltimore Colts Super Bowl ring, on permanent exhibit in the Special Collections reading room.

I wish to acknowledge and recognize the unending dedication to this project from my wife JoAnne O’Neill, as well as my friend and lawyer Joseph Riley. --Upton Bell

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