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[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Iota Alpha Chapter 50th anniversary collection, 1973-2018, UA 0062, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
Materials in this collection were compiled by Francine Toliver Edwards, member of the Iota Alpha 50th Committee and Chair of Historical Digital Archiving, over the course of the year prior to the 50th anniversary weekend celebration held April 29-May 1, 2022 at James Madison University. At the conclusion of the anniversary weekend, Tiffany Whitfield, member of the Iota Alpha 50th Committee and Chair of Communications & Education, donated the compiled collection to Special Collections on May 1, 2022.
Francine Toliver Edwards solicited content from Iota Alpha sorors that would form an archival collection documenting the history, members, and activities of the Iota Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. from its charter in 1971 to the present. Materials in this assembled collection originate from many different creators, all sorors and members of the Iota Alpha chapter.
Items without documented individual creators/donors were donated to the chapter at various points in the past and held in storage by the sorority prior to their being donated to Special Collections as part of the 50th anniversary collection.
The assembled collection was exhibited during the anniversary weekend at the April 30 legacy gala held at James Madison University's Hall of Presidents, and additional items were added to the collection by attendees.
A 2007 chemistry text book was not retained due to lack of research value and it being out of collecting scope.
Many of the items were accompanied by a slip of paper identifying the item and its donor. Those papers were retained with their respective items.
The 20th anniversary banner was treated to remove newspaper that was stuck to the back of the sheet.
Notecards written using the prompt "What Does Delta Sigma Theta Mean to You" were originally attached to a paper banner created in celebration of the sorority's 100th Founders Day. Due to its deteriorating physical condition, the banner was discarded. The notecards were retained.
Framed items were removed from their frames and, when appropriate, the frames were discarded.
The three optical media disks underwent an initial review for content but were not fully processed and are therefore not immediately available to researchers.
Founded on December 11, 1971, the Iota Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was the first Black Greek letter organization established at James Madison University (then Madison College). Iota Alpha's eleven charter members were: Patricia Gibson, Saranna Tucker, Karen Washington, Adrian Vaughn, Betty Toliver, Janis Smith, Deborah Winfree, Sandra Johnson, Joyce Richeson, Estelia "DeDe" Jackson, and Barbara Coleman.
Delta Sigma Theta is a service-oriented sorority that emphasizes its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust which comprises economic development, educational development, community and international development, housing and urban development and mental health. The sorority's official colors are crimson and cream and its mascot is the elephant. Members are referred to as sorors. In photographs, sorors are frequently pictured making the triangle sign with their hands.
The collection consists of materials, primarily photographs, scrapbooks, memorabilia, and clothing, compiled and collected by members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Iota Alpha chapter. The materials were donated on the occasion of the chapter's 50th anniversary which it celebrated in May 2022.
Photograph albums and scrapbooks document community service activities and fundraisers, Adopt-A-Highway trash clean-up, car washes, probate (new member presentation), parties and formal events, fashion shows, commencement, picnics and cookouts, national convention, and step shows. Newspaper clippings, new members lists with their respective line names, and event programs are also included.
The collection also includes pieces of clothing - varsity jackets, hats, t-shirts - with Delta Sigma Theta branding. Objects and memorabilia include a trophy, banner, pillows, paddles, and a customized Delta Sigma Theta doll.
Three optical media disks contain audio and video production elements likely used for public performances or step shows.
Founder's Week button, 1987; 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee button, 1988
List of members and their respective line names that was posted on campus.
Envelope includes the customer's last name - "Jones-Quartey." This likely refers to Naa Kwale Jones-Quartey ('99) who was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Iota Alpha Chapter.
Three photograph albums.
Six notecards originally attached to a paper banner for Delta Sigma Theta's (100th?) Founder's Day. Sorors completed notecards using the prompt "What Does Delta Sigma Theta Mean to You?" and affixed to the banner.
Front of scrapbook features felt "ΔΣΘ" letters and "50." The scrapbook cover may have been updated in honor of the chapter's 50th anniversary though the contents date from 1990-1996.
Binder only, study guide not included.
Binder only, doctrine not included.
Includes list of Spring 1988 line members.
Spine is labeled "Hollywood Shuffle! Spr 88."
Includes list of Spring 1994 line members and their respective line names.
Crimson satin scrapbook with cream lace border. Front of scrapbook has crimson triangle outlined in cream lace.
Includes list of Spring 1995 line members and their respective line names.
Includes list of Spring 1996 line members and their respective line names.
Crimson velvet scrapbook.
Access to original media is restricted. A reformatted use copy may be requested. Contact library-special@jmu.edu to request reformatting of this object.
Contains audio production elements including a clip of Snoop Dog's song "Drop it Like it's Hot" and Walmart commercials that were likely used as part of public performances or step shows.
Access to original media is restricted. A reformatted use copy may be requested. Contact library-special@jmu.edu to request reformatting of this object.
Contains audio production elements that were likely used as part of public performances or step shows.
Access to original media is restricted. A reformatted use copy may be requested. Contact library-special@jmu.edu to request reformatting of this object.
Contains one video production element with audio that was likely used as part of a public performance or step show. Also includes a McDonald's themed skit titled "McDelta."
Includes 1990 Founders Week schedule.
Cream pageboy cap with crimson embroidered lettering - "Delta Sigma Theta 1913."
Front is customized with crimson and cream lettering and elephant: "IA Made Spring 2014 The Silver Lining."
Crimson satin pillow with cream lace trim. Cream felt decorations and letters affixed to front include "ΔΣΘ" letters, line number, silhouette of a woman, and line name ("Perigee").
Wooden picture frame customized with "Spring 99 ΔΣΘ." Sorors Tae Edwards and Vanessa Cantava are pictured.
Engraved: "James Madison University Step Show Competition Best Exit for Sorority 2009"
Essence of a Delta doll, 3rd edition, designed by Trinity Designs, Inc. Features custom line jacket: "VA Slim 7 Iota Alpha Fall '79" (back). Includes stand and base.
Donated by Kimberly Stevens in honor of Pamela Anthony.
Crimson hat embroidered with "ΔΣΘ."
Includes the line name "Sugar Cakes" and "Δ #4."
Cream and crimson silk varsity jacket. Front: embroidered "Ericka 9" on the right, ΔΣΘ letters on the left. Back: embroidered "Delta Sigma Theta" with Delta Sigma Theta crest below. Left sleeve: embroidered "Sp 92."
Crimson and cream mesh jersey with "1913" on the front. "Iota Alpha 45 Chapter Anniversary Est. 1971" on the back.
Front: "ΔΣΘ On the Line of Fire." Right sleeve: list of line members (S. Hylton, N. Campbell, S. Settles, V. Waller, D. Eure, M. Hicks, T. Casey, F. Sellers, S. Vaughan, M. Baker, S. Scott, D. Johnson).
Black sweatshirt with crimson and cream rhinestones. "DST 100" is in the style of Run-DMC's logo.
Painted crimson cloth coveralls with "ΔΣΘ" painted in cream on chest and "1913" painted on the right pant leg.
Crimson and cream varsity jacket. Front: embroidered "Fran 5" on the right, "ΔΣΘ" letters on the left. Back: embroidered "Delta Sigma Theta" with Delta Sigma Theta crest below.
Black twin sized sheet hand-painted with "ΔΣΘ" letters in cream down the center. Soror in crimson bikini and cream neck scarf on the left side. Soror in crimson shirt, denim bell bottoms, and platform shoes on right. She is also doing the Delta triangle symbol with her hands. Years 1971 and 1991 are painted on each top corner.
Given that the years 1971 and 1991 are painted on the banner, it is presumed to be a 20th anniversary banner for the Iota Alpha Chapter.