Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434) 560 Drillfield Drive Newman Library, Virginia Tech Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 Business Number: 540-231-6308 specref@vt.edu URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu
Clare Carter, Student Worker, and LM Rozema, Archivist
Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Identification
RG.06.03.09
Title
Records of War Memorial Chapel 1949-1985, 2001, undated
Quantity
8.2 Cubic Feet, 6 boxes, 2 oversize folders
Creator
Virginia Polytechnic Institute (1944-1970)
Creator
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (1970-)
Language
The materials in the collection are in English.
Abstract
The Records of War Memorial Chapel contain architectural records, posters, photographs, and prints pertaining to Virginia
Tech's War Memorial Chapel - including the Memorial Court, pylons, and cenotaph - and its construction in the 1950s and early
1960s. There are also a few pamphlets detailing the dedication and commemoration of the chapel, as well as records from the
chapel after it was opened.
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University
Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization
form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition
form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives ( specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research. However, some documents are restricted for 75 years from date of creation in accordance
with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and Virginia Tech Special Collections' policy regarding confidential information
and privacy. Contact Special Collections for more information.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder],
Records of War Memorial Chapel, RG 6/3/9, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
The Records of War Memorial Chapel were transferred to Special Collections and University Archives prior to 1980. Additional
materials were transferred in 1989 and 2019.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Records of War Memorial Chapel collection was completed in November 2019.
Construction on the War Memorial Chapel started in spring 1951 and completed in May 1960, with renovations undertaken in 2000
to 2001. Initial funding was raised by alumni to build a non-denominational religious building on campus and memorial to alumni
who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The sculpture inside was designed by Donald DeLue. It is a popular
location for weddings and other events.
The Memorial Court on the chapel roof includes the iconic Pylons etched with the names of every Virginia Tech student and
graduate who died in service, starting with World War I. The four left pylons - Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, and Sacrifice
- were designed by Henry Kries and the right pylons - Service, Loyalty, Duty, and Ut Prosim - by Charles Rudy. At the center of the Court, the cenotaph has the names of the Medal of Honor recipients who attended Virginia
Tech.
The carillon purchased as part of the War Memorial Chapel fund was installed in Burruss Hall in 1957. An electronic carillon
was donated by the Class of 1958 and installed in 1997.
The Records of War Memorial Chapel contain architectural records, posters, photographs, and prints pertaining to Virginia
Tech's War Memorial Chapel - including the Memorial Court, pylons, and cenotaph - and its construction in the 1950s and early
1960s. There are also a few pamphlets detailing the dedication and commemoration of the chapel, as well as records from the
chapel after it was opened. The collection is arranged into four series.
Series I: War Memorial Chapel Pictures and Sketches is made up of information from the construction of War Memorial Chapel,
including the Memorial Court. There are small plan sheets, pictures of the sculpture models, newspaper clippings, and photographs
of the construction process. Items also document when the Chapel was commemorated and dedicated and include prints of the
Chapel and the Drillfield.
Series II: WWII Memorial VPI Blueprints includes reinforcing steel plans, chapel floor plans, elevation plans, and detail
plans for the exterior opening, limestone bench, electrical details, and door and window openings. Most of the blueprints
are dated January 14, 1950, but there are also some dated November 1, 1950, and February 19-20, 1951.
Series III: Oversize Sketches, Concept Prints, and Posters contains 3-D rendering concepts of War Memorial Court, a poster
of photographs of the half-sized sculpture models for War Memorial Court, oversize photos of War Memorial Court, a folder
of scale drawings for the memorial and oversize sketches of War Memorial Chapel.
Series IV: Chronological Files includes letters, reports, calendars, and other files from the chapel. Additionally, there
are wedding applications and confidential documents, which are restricted.
![[logo]](https://static.lib.vt.edu/images/logo/lockup-color-347x75.png){kind=logo}