PHI ALPHA THETA

INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY IN HISTORY

Alpha-Eta-Delta Chapter, Longwood University

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History of the Organization

The National Honor Society in History, Phi Alpha Theta, was established at the University of Arkansas on March 17, 1921, by N. Andrew N. Cleven. Dr. Cleven became Assistant Professor of History at the University of Arkansas in 1919. He would frequently chaperon the social activities of campus fraternities and sororities, organizations for which Nels previously had little regard. These gathering would inspire what he termed the "Phi Alpha Theta idea."

The possibility of "diffusing information through socialized avenues," he wrote later, "was due to the kindly cooperation of my students in Arkansas." He came to regard fraternities as "an essential spirit of the age . . . searchers all for Truth in History." Such societies were crucial because "the human side of scholarship needs to be nurtured and thought made articulate." Despite the national proliferation of social and professional fraternities during the period, he discovered there were no societies in History, a deficiency he was determined to remedy. In his mind he envisioned a secret fraternity, open to women as well as men, which would embrace the "entire History of Mankind." By chance, on the wall of his classroom hung a painting depicting ancient Assyria and featuring a six-pointed Star of Divinity. The star would become the central symbol for the history fraternity. On March 14, 1921, Dr. Creven presided over a meeting in his classroom with a group of History students. Those present voted to create the University Historical Society. Officers were elected and Constitutional, Program, and Membershiop committees were appointed. Even though Dr. Creven regarded this meeting as the anniversary date of the founding of Phi Alpha Theta, it was not until a month later that the name Phi Alpha Theta was formally adopted.

Since its inauguration, Phi Alpha Theta has grown to more than seven hundred chapters in fifty states. It has the distinction of having more chapters than any other accredited honor society, holding one of the earliest memberships in the Association of College Honor Societies. The total number of initiates since its inception is more than 240,000.

The Phi Alpha Theta National Honor Society in History is comprised of chapters from properly accredited colleges and universities. All students in these institutions who have completed the required number of history courses and are maintaining high standards in all their college or university studies are eligible for membership.

We are a professional society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. We seek to bring students, teachers, and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, ahich promote and assist historical research and publication by our members in a variety of ways.

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History of the Alpha-Eta Delta Chapter

The goals of the Longwood chapter were put forward in the petition for charter, written by students in the fall of 1993: "Upon the formation of this chapter, we aim to promote the high academic standards of Longwood University and those set forth by Phi Alpha Theta. The Town of Farmville is in the midst of many historical sites. By working with the student body and the surrounding community, we hope to promote and instill a greater appreciation of history. Through tours, lectures, films, and other enriching activities we hope to provide the opportunity for others to experience the same appreciation we have for history."

Since its formation, the Alpha-Eta-Delta chapter has worked to carry out its goals. Each year, chapter members sponsor a variety of activities to promote history. Successful projects have included historical film nights, and field trips to Antietam National Battlefield, the National Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetary, the Museum of the Confederacy, and the Gettysburg National Battlefield. Each of these events has been open to the Longwood community, often free of charge because chapter members had raised money to cover expenses. The organization also successfully sponsored a Holocaust Awareness Program, where a noted historian of the Nazi SS and a concentration camp survivor spoke to an audience of about 150 students, faculty, and community members. As a result of these activities, the Alpha-Eta-Delta Chapter was honored by the nation organization in 1995 with an "honorable mention" citation in the "best chapter" category. This was one of only seven awards given, out of the more than seven hundred chapters nationwide.

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Induction Requirements

1. A 3.1 G.P.A. or above in all history courses.

2. A 3.0 G.P.A. or above overall.

3. Completion of 2/3 of the required credits for graduation.

4. Completion of at least 12 credits in history at Longwood.

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Current Members of the Alpha-Eta-Delta Chapter (Spring 1999)

Members:
James Bell (Outgoing President)
Sandra Pleva
Joshua Tilghman

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. James R. Munson, (434) 395-2218; e-mail: jmunson@longwood.edu

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