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

Using These Materials Teaser

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:
Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended, Duke University...
More about accessing and using these materials...

Summary

Creator:
Phi Beta Kappa. Beta Chapter of North Carolina (Duke University)
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.
Extent:
5 Linear Feet
5,000 Items
Language:
Material in English
Collection ID:
UA.31.03.0004
University Archives Record Group:
31 -- Student/Campus Life
31 -- Student/Campus Life > 03 -- Student Organizations-Honorary and Recognition

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
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.

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws 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; 48 hours advance notice is required for use.

Terms of access:

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.

Before you visit:
Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.
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.