Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)Web version of the finding aid funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Laura Katz Smith, Archivist
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.
The collection is open to research.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Records of the New Farmers of America, Maryland Association, Ms1980-002, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The New Farmers of America (NFA) was national organization for Black students studying vocational agriculture. The organization's stated purpose was to form a group with the same basic goals as the all-white Future Farmers of America (FFA). By 1938, when the first of their organzational manuals was published, the NFA had some 800 high school chapters and over 20,000 active members.
This collection contains photographs (most of which are annotated), newspaper clippings, and letters from the New Farmers of America, Maryland Association.
The items in this collection are ordered alphabetically.
The six volumes of the Guide for the New Farmers of America , 1938, 1940, 1946, 1952, 1958, 1960, have been removed and cataloged for the Special Collections Rare Book Collection (S1/N46a). The guide is an organizational manual for members, which contains information on such things as the NFA constitution, programs, and ceremonies. The first two editions are heavily annotated, indicating adaptations and alterations of the national organization taken by the Maryland Association of the NFA.
The guide to the New Farmers of America, Maryland Association Records by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).
Approximately 9 images showing things such as a table-top farm model; outdoor exhibits of birdhouses and farm artifacts; working farms; and an animal husbandry class.
Approximately 15 images showing the Banneker High School NFA Chapter in Loveville, Maryland, as well as scenes of a school beautification project, various groups, and award ceremonies.
Approximately 3 images, with one type sheet describing them, showing the Banneker High School NFA Chapter on a week's camping trip in Ridge, Maryland.
Approximately 9 images, annotated on the back, showing NFA activities at the Douglas School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Approximately 29 images, many annotated, showing scenes of the Maryland NFA state convention activities, including group photographs, award presentations, and exhibit areas.
Approximately 5 images showing award winners and officers of the NFA.
Approximately 17 images showing farm scenes, tobacco crops, and a display of hams.
This file includes nine mounted newspaper clippings; five mounted photos on scrapbook pages with annotations; four 3" x 5" typed cards outlining a speech on the history of the NFA given on 11 April 1957; and one letter from David H. Smith (Banneker High School) to Professor J. A. Oliver (Princess Anne College, Maryland).