The collection began in 1982 to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of  Findlay College. Each academic division was given $2,000 to create a special event for the year. For the division of teacher education, Dr. Jerry Mallett proposed starting a collection of children's book artwork and bringing in a top children's author and illustrator to speak. "I thought it would be nice to have something, not just for that year, but something permanent that would benefit the institution, the community and our majors on a permanent basis," Mallett said.

Expenses for the dedication of the collection quickly expended the initial $2,000 Mallett recalled. "We needed more money, and we went to two of our alumni who have been very supportive of past cultural events, August ('41) and the late Aleda (Pfost '41) Mazza. Through their farsightedness and generosity, we were able to establish the Mazza Collection ," he said. Four pieces valued at $1,700 comprised the original collection.

Mallett's goal, as stated at the dedication, was to add one new piece a year. From the initial donation of the Mazzas for the first four works of art, the Mazza Museum has grown to more than 3,000 original illustrations. "However, size is not the primary aspect," Mallett claimed. "Of more importance are the activities we are developing with the educational programs and the consequent involvement of adults and children in our collection."