On December 5, 1776, a group of young male students of the College
of William and Mary in Virginia, meeting in the Apollo Room of the
Raleigh Tavern, Williamsburg, formed the Phi Beta Kappa Society,
which they dedicated to high purposes with eighteenth-century eloquence.
The first members debated such subjects as "The cause and origin
of society," "Whether a wise state hath any interest nearer at heart
than the education of the youth," "Whether anything is more dangerous
to civile liberty in a free state than a standing army in a time
of peace," and "Whether theatrical exhibitions are advantageous
to states or ye contrary." Fraternal sentiments were fostered, occasional
meetings were held for social purposes, and anniversaries were celebrated.
The establishment at Yale in 1780 and Harvard in 1781 of New England
branches ensured the perpetuation and propagation of the Society.
During the following half century four more chapters were founded.
The need of a closer unity and greater uniformity of practices led,
in 1883, to the organization of the national body, the United Chapters
of Phi Beta Kappa. At present there are 262 chapters.
In 1875, the Society extended the privilege of membership to women.
In 1926, the one hundred and fifteenth anniversary made the occasion
for raising an endowment fund and for exploring ways of encouraging
scholarship in educational institutions across the country. More
recently, the Society has joined in the defense of freedom of teaching
and inquiry and of the liberal ideal in education.
Phi Beta Kappa is recognized as not only the oldest but also the
most prestigious honor society in the United States. For more than
200 years, election to Phi Beta Kappa has been a recognition of
intellectual capacities well employed, especially in the acquiring
of an education in the liberal arts and sciences. The objectives
of humane learning encouraged by Phi Beta Kappa include intellectual
honesty and tolerance, range of intellectual interests, and understanding
- not merely knowledge. For more information about the chapter or
about eligibility for membership contact Eric
Griffin or Laura Franey.
