Collections : [Virginia Military Institute Archives]

The Jennings C. Wise papers consist primarily of Jennings C. Wise's incoming and outgoing correspondence from the period 1910 to 1960. Included are letters dating from his years as Professor and Commandant of Cadets at VMI, from his practice of law, and from his retirement period in which he devoted himself primarily to writing. Wise was passionately interested in the history and future development of VMI and much of the correspondence reflects his ongoing involvement with the school. He often held controversial views and frequently expressed his dismay at what he perceived to be a lessening of military discipline at VMI. Other items in the papers include:

• Memoranda
• Editorials and articles written by Wise
• Circulars
• Notebooks
• Printed material
• A photograph album (1913-1914) documenting the retirement of the VMI Cadet Battery and the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of New Market, Virginia

The VMI diplomas collection consists of VMI diplomas from various eras. The oldest is that of Edmund Pendleton, Class of 1842. Contact the VMI Archives for a complete list.

This collection (11 items) consists of the papers of Dr. Alfred P. Upshur (VMI Class of 1904) whose career included service in the Army Medical Corps. The collection includes commission documents, certificates, and two photographs.

This collection (13 oversized items) consists of certificates, diplomas, and other items relating the educational history of Allan T. Gwathmey, VMI Class of 1923. Gwathmey was an internationally known scientist that specialized in the field of single metal crystals. He taught chemistry at the University of Virginia from 1938 until his death in 1963. He was also the founder of the Virginia Institute for Scientific Research.

This colllection consists of certificates, citations, commissions, and similar documentation associated with VMI alumni, faculty, staff, or VMI as a whole. The collection does not include VMI diplomas or literary society certificates, which are filed separately.

The material in this sub-series is related to the Biennial meeting and conference.

The VMI Alumni Association is a private organization affiliated with VMI; the VMI Archives does not house the records of the Association. However, the Archives does preserve printed material, publications created by the Association, some Class reunion material, and related material (e.g. photograph collection from the office of the Alumni Review), and miscellaneous subject files on topics of general interest. This collection also includes some historical minutes of the Association.

This collection consists of the personal correspondence and records of Ammen L. Burger, Jr., VMI Class of 1938. The bulk of the letters were written to his parents. Included are letters written from VMI during the period of 1934 to 1938, which contain information about cadet life during that period, and letters written during World War II, primarily from stateside training assignments.

The bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers consist of 28 letters (dated 1860-1864) written by Gatewood to his parents and other family members. Early letters describe life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia, just prior to and during early months of the Civil War. Subsequent letters date from Gatewood's service with the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, Company F (Bath Squadron), including a letter (dated September 1862) written after the Second Battle of Manassas (2nd Bull Run).

The annual reports of the Superintendent contain a detailed account of the activities for each academic year. The 19th century through mid-20th century reports are an excellent primary source for exploring the administrative and academic history of the Institute. In addition to annual reports, special reports were occasionally issued to provide details about specific topics; and "semi-annual" reports were published during parts of the 19th century to provide the results of mid-year examinations and other mid-year updates.