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Inventory of the Phi Beta Kappa. Beta of North Carolina Chapter (Duke University) Records, 1913-1996

Abstract

Beta of North Carolina, the Phi Beta Kappa chapter at Duke University, was founded at Trinity College in March, 1920, after ten years of effort by the President and Dean of the College to secure a charter.

The collection includes minute books, correspondence, the original charter, manuals, handbooks, reports, and other related materials. Dates range from 1913-1996.

Descriptive Summary

Repository
University Archives, Duke University
Creator
Phi Beta Kappa. Beta Chapter of North Carolina (Duke University)
Title
Phi Beta Kappa. Beta of North Carolina Chapter (Duke University) Records, 1913-1996
Language of Material
English
Extent
5 Linear Feet, 5,000 Items
Location
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Series Quick Links

Collection Overview

Contains materials which include the paperwork associated with Trinity College's 10 year quest for a Phi Beta Kappa charter as well as minute books, clippings, and membership lists. Additionally, the collection contains the original charter, records concerning the chapter's 75th anniversary, nominations, elections, handbooks, manuals, annual reports and related matters. There are restricted folders within this collection that are marked both on this finding aid and on the folder. Dates range from 1913-1996.

Accessions processed in this finding aid: A2002-9, A2000-25, A95-36, A92-88, A56-726, A56-744, A71-81, A71-402, A72-18, A72-48, A73-110, A74-89, A77-123, A80-65, A80-203, A84-45, and A84-60.

Administrative Information

A majority of collections are stored off site and must be requested at least 24 business hours in advance for retrieval. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »

warning Access Restrictions

Patrons must sign the Acknowledgement of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights form before using this collection.

In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended, Duke University permits students to inspect their education records and limits the disclosure of personally identifiable information from education records.

Portions of these materials are restricted by donor request.

In off-site storage; 24 hours advance notice is required for use.

warning Use Restrictions

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.

Contents of the Collection

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United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa, Delegates Manual, 27th Triennial Council, 1964 August 30-September 2
Box 1
United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa, Delegates Manual, 29th Triennial Council, 1970 September 9-11
Box 1
Letters of Acceptance, A-G, 1920-circa 1934
Box 1
Letters of Acceptance with one letter of rejection, H-P, 1920-circa 1934
Box 1
Letters of Acceptance, R-Y, 1920-circa 1934
Box 1
Phi Beta Kappa: Constitution, By-laws, Committees, and Meetings, 1919-1976
Box 1
Application and paperwork for chapter establishment at Trinity College and Treasurer's Reports, 1913-1949
Box 1
Installation of Phi Beta Kappa Chapter at Trinity College, audits, membership lists, clippings, data reports, The Edens Key, and correspondence, 1920-1950
Box 1
Constitution and By-laws, 1971
Box 1
The Founding of the Phi Beta Kappa Chapter at Duke University, Carl Anderson, 1987
Box 2
Minute Book, 1940-1968
Box 2
Minute Book, 1919-1940
Box 2
Receipts and Expenditures Notebook, 1919-1926
Box 2
Phi Beta Kappa, 1966-1977
Box 2
Working file of Undergraduate Elections Committee, A-K, from about 1948-1971
Box 3
Working file of Undergraduate Elections Committee, L-Z, from about 1948-1971
Box 3
Printed Material: Scholarship, Education, and the Bible, Words and Music, The Middle Course, The Principal Instrument of Freedom, Phi Beta Kappa Gamma of Virginia, An Art and a Science, Science, Life and Landscape, The Carleton Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, The Academic Environment, The American Scholar's Complex Fate, The Intellectual: Creator and Critic, Wake County Association of Phi Beta Kappa, All Coherence Gone, 1959-1970
Box 3
Elections, Alumni, 1960-1975
Box 4
Elections, Reports of Undergraduate Committee, 1968-1977
Box 4
Visiting Scholars, 1958-1970
Box 4
Phi Beta Kappa, President Williams' file, 1975-1976
Box 4
Elections, Affirmations, 1971 September-1979
Box 4
Phi Beta Kappa, records, 1961-1982, RESTRICTED
Box 4
Fall Initiates, 2000
Box 4
Phi Beta Kappa: Keys, Mementoes, 1966-1967
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa: South Atlantic District, 1960-1963
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa: W. F. Stinespring, Address before PBK Chapters in NC, 1961-1962
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa: Secretary Stinespring, Correspondence, 1948-1971
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa: Annual Reports, 1951-1959
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa: Annual Reports, 1959-1971
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa: Elections, Honorary, 1950-1969
Box 5
Elections, Affirmations, Secretary Stinespring, 1971 June
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa Membership Lists, Undergraduate elections, 1958-1963
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa: Elections, graduate, 1958-1969, RESTRICTED
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa Membership List, permanent, 1958-1959
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa Elections Committee, 1965-1966
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa Elections Committee, 1966-1967
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa Elections Committee, Minutes of Committee Reports to Chapter, 1967-1968
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa, 1969-1970
Box 5
Phi Beta Kappa: Committees, 1942-1979
Box 5
Duke University Phi Beta Kappa, 1953-1954
Box 6
Phi Beta Kappa, 1965-1966
Box 6
Phi Beta Kappa, 1964-1965
Box 6
Phi Beta Kappa, 1970-1971
Box 6
Newspaper Publicity, 1959-1971
Box 6
Phi Beta Kappa, 1967-1968
Box 6
Phi Beta Kappa, 1968-1969
Box 6
Membership Lists, 1961-1962
Box 6
Undergraduate Elections, 1958 October 22
Box 6
Undergraduate Elections, 1959 June 6
Box 6
Chapter Membership Lists, 1966-1970
Box 6
Annual Dinner Meetings, 1959-1979
Box 6
United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa, Delegates Manual, 28th Triennial Council, 1967 August 27-29
Box 6
Treasurer's Report, 1958 October 1-1959 September 30
Box 6
Miscellaneous Chapter Correspondence and Notes, to 1971 June
Box 6
A Ritual of Phi Beta Kappa, Sesquicentennial Edition, 1928
Box 6
Phi Beta Kappa Banquet, 1967 August 28
Box 6
Phi Beta Kappa Distribution Requirements, 1989-1996
Box 7
The Initiation Ceremony, PBK Beta of North Carolina, 1988
Box 7
The Founding of the Phi Beta Kappa Chapter at Duke University, Carl Anderson, 1987
Box 7
Lecturers, Speakers for Annual Meeting, 1970-1980
Box 7
Forms, Notice of February Meeting, 1969-1980
Box 7
Forms, Initiation by mail, undated
Box 7
Forms, Notice of December meeting, 1971-1980
Box 7
Forms, Notice of April meeting, 1970-1980
Box 7
Forms, Phi Beta Kappa Key Order, 1974-1976
Box 7
Forms, Phi Beta Kappa Membership Cards, undated
Box 7
Lectures, Visiting Lecturers, 1977-1979
Box 7
Lectures, Visiting Scholars, 1972-1980
Box 7
Members, Affiliated, 1971-1980
Box 7
Imposters, 1960-1966
Box 7
Members, Lost, 1972
Box 7
Members, Courtesy initiations, 1974-1978
Box 7
Members, Sign-in sheets, attendance records, 1970
Box 7
Members, Computerized lists of Duke initiates, 1979-1980
Box 7
New Members, by major, 1975-1979
Box 7
Elections, Individual inquiries, 1969-1980, RESTRICTED
Box 7
Elections, Declinations, 1942-1976
Box 7
Elections, Affirmations, 1979-1980
Box 7
Elections, Reports of committee on members in course, 1973-1980
Box 7
Elections, Undergraduate chart, 1967
Box 7
Chapter, By-laws, 1954 July 1
Box 7
Chapter, Superseded by-laws, 1939-1973
Box 7
Chapter, Annual mailing lists, 1970-1972
Box 7
Chapter, Mailing list, 1976-1977
Box 7
Chapter, Mailing List, 1977-1978
Box 7
Chapter, Mailing List, 1978-1979
Box 7
Chapter, Nominating committee, 1972-1979
Box 7
Chapter, Public relations, 1962-1980
Box 7
Chapter Operations, Secretary's functions, 1975-1980
Box 7
Chapter, Standards, 1960-1976
Box 7
Chapter, Ad hoc, Eligibility Standards, 1977-1978
Box 7
Phi Beta Kappa Nomination Committee, 1982
Box 7
Chapter, Mailing list, 1979-1980
Box 7
Phi Beta Kappa, Grad election, 1979-1980, RESTRICTED
Box 7
Phi Beta Kappa, Recommendations, 1978, RESTRICTED
Box 7
Phi Beta Kappa, Recommendations, 1975-1977, RESTRICTED
Box 7
Phi Beta Kappa, 1978-1979, RESTRICTED
Box 7
Phi Beta Kappa, 1976-1982, RESTRICTED
Box 7
Phi Beta Kappa, 1980-1981
Box 7
Phi Beta Kappa, 1980-1981
Box 7
Phi Beta Kappa, 1979-1980, RESTRICTED
Box 7
PBK, 1974-1977, RESTRICTED
Box 7
Phi Beta Kappa, 1977
Box 7
Chapter, Key orders, 1979-1980
Box 7
Chapter, Executive Committee, 1980
Box 7
Chapter, Awards and Prizes, 1979
Box 7
Chapter, Ad hoc, social occasions, 1977-1978
Box 7
United Chapters, Triennial council, 1976
Box 7
United Chapters, Triennial council, 1973
Box 7
United Chapters, Triennial council, 1970
Box 7
United Chapters, Triennial council, 1967
Box 7
Correspondence, 1980-1981
Box 7
Current, Pending business, 1978-1980
Box 7
Current, Senators, 1971-1973
Box 7
Secretary, Miscellaneous correspondence, 1968-1980
Box 7
Phi Beta Kappa: Alumni Elections, 1992-1993
Box 8
Phi Beta Kappa, 1989-1994
Box 8
Phi Beta Kappa, 1994
Box 8
Phi Beta Kappa, 1995-1997
Box 8
Phi Beta Kappa: Alumni Nominations, 1996
Box 8
Phi Beta Kappa, 1995
Box 8
Phi Beta Kappa: Alumni Elections, 1993-1994
Box 8
Phi Beta Kappa: Lists, 1992-1995
Box 8
Phi Beta Kappa: 75th Anniversary, 1995
Box 8
Phi Beta Kappa. Beta of North Carolina Charter, 1919, on-site, Drawer 6
Oversize Item Drawer 6

Historical Note

Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and largest academic honor society, was founded on Dec. 5, 1776, by five students at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. It was the first society to have a Greek letter name, and in its early years, it introduced the essential characteristics of such societies: an oath of secrecy (discarded in 1831), a badge, mottoes in Latin and Greek, a code of laws, and an elaborate initiation ritual. The members held regular meetings, generally with an emphasis on literary exercises, especially composition and debating. Fraternal sentiments were fostered, and the purpose of some meetings was simply good fellowship.

The original Phi Beta Kappa Society was active for only four years because the approach of the British Army under General Cornwallis forced the college to close. But the faith of those youthful scholars in the future of their Society is shown by their preparation of charters for branches at two other institutions. A charter was voted to Harvard, on Dec. 4, 1779, and to Yale four days later. The charters were delivered-in reverse order-- to groups of students in New Haven, Conn., and in Cambridge, Mass., creating Alpha of Connecticut at Yale in November 1780, and Alpha of Massachusetts at Harvard in September 1781. This began the tradition of designating each state's chapter with a letter from the Greek alphabet to indicate where it fits chronologically in that state's chapters.

The two New England branches preserved the essential qualities of the Virginia experience, adopting changes in procedure to suit local conditions. Shortly before the end of the academic year, the members selected from the junior class a small group of outstanding students who, the following year, constituted the "immediate society." Later this role would be assumed by faculty members who had been invited to join Phi Beta Kappa as undergraduates, and most of a chapter's new members would be initiated as seniors.

In 1988, the delegates at the 35th Triennial Council voted to change the organization's name to "The Phi Beta Kappa Society." This inclusive designation, also the historic name of the Society, now appears on all of its legal documents and publications.

Beta of North Carolina, the Phi Beta Kappa chapter at Duke University, was founded at Trinity College in March, 1920, after ten years of effort by the President and Dean of the College to secure a charter.

Subject Headings

Related Material

  • William H. Glasson Papers, 1891-1946, undated (Duke University Archives)
  • Robert S. Rankin Papers, 1898-1977 (bulk 1927-1976) (Duke University Archives)
  • James Cannon Papers, 1912-1974 (Duke University Archives)
  • Richard L. Watson Papers, 1941-1989 (Duke University Archives)
  • Otto Meier Records and Papers, 1931-1979 (Duke University Archives)

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Phi Beta Kappa. Beta of North Carolina Chapter (Duke University) Records, Duke University Archives, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Provenance

The Phi Beta Kappa. Beta of North Carolina Chapter (Duke University) Records were received by the University Archives as a series of transfers by various sources.

Processing Information

Processed by Kimberly Sims, July 2006

Encoded by Kimberly Sims, September 2006

Accessions 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.