Use Restrictions

The copyright interests for certain items in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. The copyright interests for other items have not been transferred. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research. Optical media is unavailable pending processing. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Provenance

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.

Preferred Citation

[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.

Acquisition Information

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.

Processing Information

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.

Appraisal

A 2007 chemistry text book was not retained due to lack of research value and it being out of collecting scope.

Administrative History

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.

Scope and Contents

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.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• African American Greek letter societies
• African American Greek letter societies -- Virginia -- Harrisonburg
• African American college students
• African American college students -- Societies, etc. -- History
• Banners
• Clothing
• Delta Sigma Theta   Sorority, Inc.. Iota Alpha Chapter (1971-) (James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.)
• Delta Sigma Theta   Sorority, Inc.. Iota Alpha Chapter (1971-) (James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.) -- History
• Edwards, Francine Toliver
• Greek letter societies -- Virginia -- Harrisonburg
• Hats
• Memorabilia
• Photograph albums
• Photographs
• Scrapbooks
• Whitfield, Tiffany