Records of the Virginia Tech Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [item], [box], [folder], Records of the Virginia Tech Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia, RG 15/13/1, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.2 Cubic Feet 1 box
Abstract:
The records of the Virginia Tech Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia primarily relates to the nominations from the Virginia Tech Department of History to the state organization's American History Prize Essay contest. This collection also contains two of the winning essays, one from 1984 and another from 1985. The department began nominating individuals in 1972.
Language:
The materials in this collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [item], [box], [folder], Records of the Virginia Tech Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia, RG 15/13/1, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains the records of the Virginia Tech Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia. Most of the collection relates to the nominations from the Virginia Tech Department of History to the organization's American History Prize Essay contest. This collection also contains two of the winning essays, one from 1984 and another from 1985.

Biographical / historical:

The Society of the Cincinnati was founded in 1783 by members of the Continental Army. As stated on their website their mission is to, "promote knowledge and appreciation of the achievement of American independence and to foster fellowship among its members". The Virginia Society was first formed in 1783, but later disbanded in 1824. However, late in the nineteenth century the Virginia Society was reorganized and readmitted in 1896.

The State Society for many years has given a medal to a student at each of the major colleges and universities in Virginia. At Virginia Tech, this has been and continues to be a military medal, which may or may not be accompanied by a cash prize, awarded through the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. In addition, since 1972-1973 another such grant had been awarded for administration by the History Department to a graduate student, faculty member, and/or a visiting lecturer for work on research leading to publication in the history of North America, 1725-1825.

At the History department, Dr. George Green Shackelford served as the first chairman of the nominating committee, 1969-1984, and Roger Ekirch became the second chairman in 1984.

Source: The Society of the Cincinnati, https://www.societyofthecincinnati.org/

Acquisition information:
The collection was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in October 1985.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Records of the Virginia Tech Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia was completed in August 2021. Initial processing, arrangement, and description was completed prior to 2020.

Arrangement:

This collection is organized chronologically.