One Piece of History at a Time
Why is a fraternity chapter’s history important? Who cares what a bunch of college boys or young men did back then? It seems to be age-appropriate for active brothers to think that the chapter started when they joined and evaporated when they left.
Several compelling reasons exist. As an overarching concept, fraternities strive to provide a lifetime experience rather than just a collegiate one. We emphasize brotherhood for a lifetime, not only during our university years. One strong way to achieve this is by collecting and preserving materials that reflect a chapter’s history throughout its existence, while ensuring their accessibility to active members.
As alumni, we need to emphasize to our collegiate members that our involvement stems from the belief that fraternity brotherhood is a lifelong experience, benefit, and calling to which we should all adhere. What better way to convey this than through histories, photographs, objects, and memorabilia from times before the current brothers arrived? Of course, another way to reinforce this message is through our presence and support.
It is also a very significant tool for keeping alumni connected to one another as well as to the chapter.
So, the Board is thrilled to announce a collaborative relationship with a company that has a comprehensive set of services that enable our organization to transform archival materials, from whatever state they are in, into a 21st-century digital space.
Start clearing out those closets and donating your old composites, photos, jerseys, paddles, memorabilia, and even cherished stories from your time as an undergraduate at Vanderbilt. We can scan and copy most of your items if you wish to keep them for yourself.
Details of the plan, including collaboration arrangements, ways to share materials, and a timeline, will be announced in the next Deltan.
Byron Cain ‘70
Vice President
TN Delta House Corporation