Superintendent's correspondence relating to the filming of the movie Mardi Gras" (20th Century Fox, 1958). It was the second movie to feature VMI (the first was "Brother Rat). Contains correspondence from Frank McCarthy (Class of 1933), then Director of Public Relations for 20th Century Fox).

Correspondence and other documents relating to the designation of Barracks as a National Historic Landmark in 1966; and the VMI Post as a National Historic Landmark / National Historic District in 1974. The VMI post is on the National Register of Historic Places.

This file contains material documenting the participation of the Corps in Presidential and Gubernatorial inaugural parades. It also includes items relating to the following: Nashville (Tennessee Centennial), 1897; the Jamestown Exposition (1907); Yorktown Trip (1881, 1931, 1981); Charleston, SC, 1902; Chancellorsville Reenactment, 1935; Petersburg, 1937 (Battle of Crater reenactment); Baltimore, 1948 (dedication of Lee-Jackson statue); as well as misc. other significant corps trips.

This file documents the administrative history and functions of the Army ROTC Department, which was formally established at VMI in 1919 (file material dates to 1916). Includes chronological administrative file and other records listed in Container List below. Also includes some records concerning pre-ROTC Military Science, including reports of government inspections and other material.

Some subject files may contain restricted material. Access to certain categories of archival records is restricted because they contain material protected under federal or state statutes governing privacy and confidentiality. Examples include, but are not limited to, student, personnel, and medical records.

Correspondence and memoranda relating to the establishment and ongoing operation of the H. B. Johnson, Jr. '26 Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series, which is funded by a gift from Belton Kleberg Johnson. The first lecture was given in Oct. 1983 by the former President Gerald R. Ford. Subsequent speakers: Helmut Schmidt (1984), Edward Heath (1986), Howard Baker (1988), Gen. William Westmoreland (1990), Margaret Thatcher (1992), Richard Cheney (1993), George H. W. Bush (1996), Christopher Patten (1999), Henry Kissinger (2001).

Also Kirsten Powers "Free Speech on College Campuses." Ray Kelly "A Conversation with Ray Kelly on his Memoir: Vigilance: My Life Serving America and Protecting its Empire City." Retired Four-Star General Keith Alexander "Ethical Dilemmas Facing Leaders in American National Security." Retired Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman "The Bulletproof Mind: Psychological Preparations for Combat." Edward Ayers, Ph.D. "The Shape of the Civil War" Nina Totenberg "The Supreme Court and Its Impact on You." Mr. Edward Viesturs "No Shortcuts to the Top." Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northan

Memoranda, correpondence relating to the history and design of the VMI Coat of Arms, crest/insignia, and motto. Includes color images and original artwork for VMI Crest, ca. 1965.

Documents, 1894-1927, relating to the bequest of Margaret Smith to establish the Francis Lee Smith scholarship

This file concerns VMI's response to the report produced by the Educational Commission of Virginia, which undertook a survey of public education in the state. The final report recommended that VMI be closed, a conclusion that sparked a vocal response by VMI and its alumni. The commission is sometimes referred to as the Barton Commission (for the chairman, Robert T. Barton) and the report as the O'Shea report (the director of the survey was M.V. O'Shea of the Univ. of Wisconsin)

Records of VMI's participation in a government programs to to provide military training during World War I. The material consists of correspondence, rosters, and financial records documenting operation of summer intensive training camps held at VMI during 1917 and 1918; and of the SATC program. File also includes information about British officer detailed to VMI, 1918.

The establishment of Students' Army Training Corps units was authorized by the Selective Service Act of 1917. VMI participated in this program. The Students' Army Training Corps utilized the facilities, equipment, and faculty of colleges and universities to select and train officer candidates and and provide technical and vocational training during World War I. Dissolution of the Corps began with the armistice on November 11, 1918.

In addition, VMI held summer intensive military training camps at VMI during the summers of 1917 and 1918. There were three such camps; two in 1917 and one in 1918.

Administrative records concerning the World War II era at VMI, includiing correspondence and memoranda. Also files on returning veterans issues. The G. I. Bill folder includes some information about returning Korean War veterans.

Includes: Chronological file, 1940-1946; Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP)- separate box; Library of Congress - storage of material at VMI during war; Civil defense in Lexington (air raid drills, blackout drills); Selective Service System (draft); GI bill/veterans, including married civilian students; War diplomas/certificates (Class of 1944) Enlisted Reserve Corps (ERC).

See Chronological File, June 17, 1940, for letter from George C. Marshall

Superintendent office file containing documents concerning Depression era federal and state programs which provided money for hiring employees and public works, student aid and other programs. PWA- Public Works Administration; WPA- Works Progress Administration; FERA-Federal Emergency Relief Administration (student aid); NYA- National Youth Administration

Records of Superintendent Edward W. Nichols relating to the operation of the first Virginia Council of Defense during World War I. Nichols was Chairman of the first Council.

The Council of National Defense was created by an act of Congress on 29 August 1916 to coordinate all national resources pertaining to the mobilization and maintenance of the United States armed forces. After the United States declared war on Germany in April 1917, the federal government requested that each state create a State Council of Defense to carry out the duties of the National Council. To comply with this request, Virginia Governor Henry Carter Stuart created an several state councils, including the Virginia Council of Defense (26 April 1917 )headed by Gen. Edward W. Nichols of VMI. In addition to Nichols, members included: General Edward W. Nichols, Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute; L.E. Johnson, President of the Norfolk and Western Railway Company; R. Walton Moore, United States Representative; Homer L. Ferguson, President of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company; Colonel Elijah B. White; Rev. Collins Denny; Dr. Ennion G. Williams, State Health Commissioner; James O. Winston; Richard Evelyn Byrd; D. Lawrence Groner; George B. Keezell; John H. Crockett; Jesse M. Jones; and A.P. Walker.

The structure was reorganized by Governor Westmoreland Davis in February 1918 under the Second Virginia Council of Defense.