Inventory of the Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, Duke University chapter records,
1930-1995
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Descriptive Summary
Repository
University Archives, Duke
University
Creator
Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. Duke University chapter.
Title
Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, Duke University chapter records, 1930-1995
Language of Material
Material in English
Extent
6.0 Linear Feet
6000 Items
Abstract
The Duke chapter of Sigma Xi, an honorary society recognizing scientific research, was formed in 1932.
Types of materials included in this collection are: pamphlets, minutes, financial records, membership nominations, rosters, and correspondence. Major subjects include research in science and medicine, honor society membership, Duke University scholarship, and Sigma Xi. Materials range in date from 1930-1995.
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Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
Patrons must sign the Acknowledgement of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights form before using this collection.
In off-site storage; 24 hours advance notice is required for use.
Copyright Notice
Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. Duke University chapter records, University Archives, Duke University.
Provenance
The Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. Duke University chapter records were received by the University Archives as a
transfer in 1974-1977, 1996.
Processing Information
Processed by Emily Glenn, January 2003
Encoded by Sherrie Bowser, January 2008
Accessions 74-61, 77-26, 77-69, 77-118 were merged into one collection, described in this finding aid.
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and our local Style Guide.
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.
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Historical Note
Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, is a non-profit membership society of nearly 75,000 scientists and engineers. Sigma Xi is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C. and has more than 500 chapters at universities and colleges, government laboratories and industry research centers. In addition to publishing American Scientist, Sigma Xi awards grants annually to promising young researchers, holds forums on critical issues of science and society, and sponsors a variety of programs supporting honor in science and engineering, science education, science policy, and the public understanding of science.
The idea for a Duke University chapter of Sigma Xi was conceived during spring 1929, when a number of people interested in scientific research across departments began to meet on campus. They contacted Sigma Xi's national secretary regarding proper organization of a chapter and then held a general interest meeting was held in New Science Hall on Duke's East Campus in 1929. With fourteen members, the Sigma Xi Club of Duke University organized as a club and elected officers. As the petition for full membership to the national society continued, the members of the club were called on to present the history of the University and summaries of their own research. Their completed formal petition was accepted in June, 1932 and the charter granted in December 1932. Installation took place March 23, 1933. Some early members who petitioned for the charter were: Ruth Margery Addoms, Lucius Aurelius Bigelow, Bert Cunningham, Wilburt Cornell Davison, Joseph Banks Rhine, and Frederick Adolphus Wolf.
The Duke University chapter of Sigma Xi holds meetings about six times per year. Initiations are held annually and feature a keynote address from a professional in the sciences. Election to Sigma Xi is arranged through a campus department representative, with members coming from all departments in social, physical, and medical sciences. New members are elected to Sigma Xi as associates or full members, depending on their research contributions. New members must have demonstrated abilities in conducting research and a potential for leadership in their field.
The Duke University chapter offers grants to students and professionals in the community. Smaller grants have been awarded to science teachers in North Carolina, while Duke University students have received awards for travel, field work, and conferences.
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Collection Overview
Contains materials relating to the Duke University chapter of Sigma Xi's petition for establishment, membership nominations, minutes, programs, conference notes, lecture advertisements, correspondence, grant applications and awards materials, and printed material. Materials range in date from 1930-1995.
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Subject Headings
These are searchable subject entries for this collection. Performing a search on these subjects in the Duke University Libraries online catalog will bring up other related research materials.
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Related Material
Lucius A. Bigelow papers.
University Archives. Duke University.
Meier (Otto) Records and Papers, 1931-1979.
University Archives. Duke University.
Gross (Paul M.) Papers, 1939-1979.
University Archives. Duke University.
Sanford (Terry) Records and Papers, 1945-1998.
University Archives. Duke University.
Marine Laboratory Records, 1945-1990.
University Archives. Duke University.
Brodie (H. Keith H.), President, Records, 1963-1994.
University Archives. Duke University.
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Office of the Dean records, 1934-2003.
University Archives. Duke University.
Sigma Xi Half Century Record and History, 1886-1936. 1936.
Perkins Library, Duke University
Sigma Xi quarterly.
Perkins Library, Duke University
 | List of Series in Collection |
 |  | Estabellishment, 1930-1992, bulk 1930-1962 |
| | Membership nominations, 1941-1994 |
| | Programs, Minutes, and Reports, 1932-1994 |
| | Lectures, 1952-1987 |
| | Correspondence, 1941-1995 |
| | Awards and Grants,1940-1993 |
 | | Printed Material, 1939-1995, bulk 1980-1989 |
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Detailed Description of Collection
Estabellishment, 1930-1992, bulk 1930-1962
7 folders
Contains some correspondence and reports used to support the petition for a local chapter of Sigma Xi. Initiation rites include vows taken and the general order of initiation ceremonies. The membership roster has the most complete information about early activity in the chapter.
Box 1
Petition for Establishment, 1930-1933
Initiation rites, 1934-1962
Initiation book, 1961-1993
Initiation meetings, 1971-1992
Membership rosters, 1931-1960
Finance notes, 1933-1942
Membership nominations, 1941-1994
3 Boxes, 41 folders
Contains membership nomination forms. New members are nominated and supported by established colleagues. These forms show the diversity in applicants and research areas of Sigma Xi members affiliated with Duke University. Ordered by date. Some are further ordered alphabetically.
Box 1
1941-1956, A-Bo
1941-1956, Br-Ch
1941-1956, Br-Ch
1941-1956, Ci-D
1941-1956, E-Go
1941-1956, G-H
1941-1956, I-Kn
1941-1956, Ko-L
1941-1956, M
1941-1956, N-P
1941-1956, Q-S
1941-1956, Sl-V
1941-1956, W-Z
1958
1959 (folder 1 of 2)
1959 (folder 2 of 2)
1960
1961
Box 2
1962
1964
1965
1973 (folder 1 of 2)
1973 (folder 2 of 2)
1974
1975
1976
1977
1983
1984 (folder 1 of 2)
1984 (folder 2 of 2)
1985
1986
1987 (folder 1 of 2)
1987 (folder 2 of 2)
1988
1989 (folder 1 of 2)
1989 (folder 2 of 2)
Box 3
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
Programs, Minutes, and Reports, 1932-1994
6 Folders
Contains two bound volumes of administration notes, some typed meeting notes and annual reports. The meeting notes from 1933 also contain information about the chapter's establishment. Ordered by date.
Box 3
Programs, Minutes, Reports. 1933-1959 (one bound volume)
Programs, 1950-1961
Meeting notes, 1932-ca 1940 (one bound volume)
Meeting notes, 1950-1976
Meetings, 1991-1994
Annual reports, Duke University chapter, 1977-1991
Lectures, 1952-1987
3 Folders
Contains notes and fliers for lectures. Some lectures were part of annual initiation meetings. See also initiations for more lecture and speaker materials. Ordered by date.
Box 3
1952-1957
1958-1970
1982-1987
Correspondence, 1941-1995
7 Folders
Contains correspondence between members of the Duke University chapter, potential members, and the Sigma Xi national headquarters. Correspondence with the North Carolina Academy of Science is mostly regarding an annual donation and the relationship between the NCAS and the chapter. Ordered by date.
Box 3
General Correspondence, 1974-1975
General Correspondence, 1976-1977
General Correspondence, 1983-1995
North Carolina Acadmey of Science, 1941-1977
Duke University chapter President to chapeter memebers, circa 1984-1992
Departmental representatives, 1961, 1973-1995
National Headquarters, 1985-1994
Awards and Grants,1940-1993
6 Folders
Contains letters of application and some correspondence regarding grants and prizes for travel, research, or general classroom support. Ordered by date.
Box 4
Sigma Xi Prize Award, 1940-1953
Grant applications, 1989-1990
Grant applications, 1993
Grant applications, 1994 (folder 1 of 2)
Grant applications, 1994 (folder 2 of 2)
Toshiba grant, 1992-1993
Printed Material, 1939-1995, bulk 1980-1989
9 Folders
Contains newsletters produced by the national headquarters, conference proceedings of national meetings, instructions on initiating a lecture program, a history of the Duke chapter, the results of a study of chapters' financial status, and clippings. Ordered by date.
Box 4
Newsletters, 1980-1995
Conference proceedings, 1982-1987
Conference proceedings, 1984-1993
Information Booklet for the Southeast Regional Lecture Program, 1985-1986
A New Agenda for Science, 1986
History of the Organization of the Duke Chapter of Sigma Xi, ca 1932-1940
Clippings, 1989
"Membership Structure of Sigma Xi: an Introduction to a Study of Its Effectiveness", 1939
"Report on the Result of a Questionnaire on the Financial Status of the Chapters of Sigma Xi", 1942
