Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

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.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission Records, Ms1976-001, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission Records were donated to Newman Library in 1976 and 1977.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission Records was completed in 2003.

Administrative History

The 200th anniversary of the establishment of the United States gave rise not only to national-scale celebrations but hundreds of smaller celebrations at the state and county level, as well. These commemorative events focused on communities' pioneer history and heritage and often coincided with the production of local histories and other commemorative materials. By coincidence, Montgomery County, Virginia also celebrated its 200th anniversary in 1976. In 1973, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors created a commission to organize events which would not only commemorate the U.S. bicentennial but would also celebrate and preserve the history of Montgomery County, its communities and institutions. Chaired by Virginia Tech animal science professor George Litton, the commission also organized tours of local areas and designed commemorative items, including an emblem which is used today as the Montgomery County seal. The commission's activities culminated in the "Festival of Independence" celebrations in Blacksburg and Christiansburg, July 2-4, 1976.

Scope and Content

This collection contains the records of the Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission, which organized local events celebrating the 200th anniversary of the formation of the United States and Montgomery County, Virginia. The collection includes the correspondence of commission chair George W. Litton, and a set of the commission's minutes. Also included are records of the commission's committees, event planning notes and background materials, information on the design of the Montgomery County seal, programs and newsletters published by commission, and catalogs for bicentennial commemorative merchandise. Materials from other Virginia localities, statewide organizations, and national organizations are also included, as are a few photos and pieces of memorabilia. Completing the collection is a scrapbook-type compilation, assembled by the commission, providing an overview of its activities together with registration lists for the various events.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by document type.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
• Montgomery County (Va.)

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission Records by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).