Delta Delta Delta
Scope and Contents
The Delta Delta Delta Collection contains scrapbooks, photographs (including composites), membership ledgers, materials from national conventions and Delta Gamma's Founder's Day; yearly activities summaries, and pledge folders created by or related to the Delta Gamma Chapter of the sorority. The collection also contains a scrapbook, speech notes, songs and chants; constitutions, histories, and petitions for national recognition created by the chapter's predecessor, Theta Delta Theta.
The scrapbooks are valuable memorabilia in the collection, as they present an annual look at the chapter's activities.
The collection lacks Chapter minutes and any scrapbooks made after 1969.
Dates
- Creation: 1900 - 2025
Access and Restrictions
All university archives from the past 40 years are closed to all but the creating office, department, or group. The Board of Trust, General Counsel, and the Chancellor’s Office are exempt from this rule. The Delta Delta Delta records may still be used for research, but the Delta Gamma Chapter or General Counsel must grant permission for others to view restricted records.
The majority of this record group is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
This collection may be viewed only in the reading room of Special Collections. Materials should be requested three days prior to visiting to facilitate easier access. Email Special Collections and University Archives at specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu to schedule an appointment.
Historical Note
The Delta Gamma Chapter of Delta Delta Delta began on Vanderbilt campus in 1911 as the outgrowth of local sorority Theta Delta Theta.
Theta Delta Theta was founded on October 19, 1900, by Stella Rich, Frances Hammond, Margaret Denny, and Irene Keiser.[1] As stated in their constitution, "The object of this association shall be to form a strong and abiding bond between its members as is embodied in its pledges."[2] Between 1909 and 1911, Theta Delta Theta successfully petitioned Delta Delta Delta to become a chapter within the national sorority.[3]
The Delta Gamma chapter was established on September 16, 1911. The chapter was founded on the broader values and principles established by Tri Delta's founders, Sara Ida Shaw and Eleanor Dorcas Pond. Those founding values of Truth, Self-Sacrifice, and Friendship continue to guide the chapter today.
References:
[1] "History of Theta Delta Theta 1900-1901," Delta Delta Delta Collection, Box 1, Folder 40, University Archives, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
[2] "Constitution of Theta Delta Theta, circa 1901-1911, 1968," Delta Delta Delta Collection, Box 1, Folder 37, University Archives, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
[3] "Petition of Theta Delta Theta to Delta Delta Delta, circa 1909-1911", Delta Delta Delta Collection, Box 1, Folder 41, University Archives, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
Full Extent
12 Linear Feet (- This includes 10 boxes. One letter-sized Hollinger box contains documents, one half-letter Hollinger box contains photographs, and the remaining 8 boxes contain scrapbooks and composites. Of these boxes, two are Paige boxes and six are oversize archival boxes.)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The collection is arranged alphabetically by folder or series. Each series is thereunder arranged alphabetically as well.
Physical Location
Special Collections and University Archives
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was donated to the University Archives by the Delta Gamma Chapter in July, 2026.
Condition Description
Condition of materials is good to poor. Items in poor condition have condition notes.
Content Notice
These documents reflect historical events and embody perspectives reflecting the time in which they were written. This archive represents primary sources that may be relied upon by scholars, students, and the public in researching our shared history. Some documents may contain subjects or language that is now recognized to be unacceptable and offensive. The reproduction of any such content does not reflect the values of Vanderbilt University. To learn more about Vanderbilt polices against discrimination of any kind, please visit Vanderbilt's University Compliance Services at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/generalcounsel/compliance/. To the extent that you believe the inclusion of any material in this digital archive is contrary to Vanderbilt University’s standards of conduct, please email the Special Collections and University Archives at specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu. Alternatively, concerns may be submitted to Vanderbilt’s anonymous, confidential, independently-run hotline, available at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/generalcounsel/reporting-at-vanderbilt/ and (844) 814-5935.
Processing Information
Materials in the collection were inventoried by graduate assistant Jacob Jernigan and processed by Faith McConnon between July-October 2026.
- Title
- Finding Aid for the Delta Delta Delta Collection
- Status
- In Progress
- Author
- Faith McConnon
- Date
- 2026-07-20
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Vanderbilt University Archives Repository
Vanderbilt University Archives
1101 19th Ave. S.
Nashville TN 37212 United States
archives@vanderbilt.edu
About this Site
This site contains collection guides, or finding aids, to the archival collections held by Vanderbilt University Special Collections and University Archives, the History of Medicine Collection, and the Scarritt Bennett Center. Finding aids describe the context, arrangement, and structure of archival materials, allowing users to identify and request materials relevant to their research.
Requesting Materials
Each finding aid contains a link to request materials from the collections. Collections can also be requested by emailing the repository directly through the library website. Each repository has its own location, hours, and contact information. Please consult the repository with questions about using the materials. Collections are non-circulating and must be used in the repository’s reading room. In many cases, the collections are stored off-site and require advance notice for retrieval.