Phi Beta Kappa. Massachusetts Alpha (Harvard University)

The Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was established at Harvard University in 1781. In 1995, it combined with the Radcliffe College chapter, Massachusetts Iota, to form the Massachusetts Alpha Iota chapter.

The Harvard chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, Massachusetts Alpha, was established in 1781, making it the third oldest chapter of the organization. During the early 19th century, the chapter maintained a library in Holworthy Hall . As use of the library declined, the chapter eventually lost its "Library Room," and in 1855 the books were given to the Hasty Pudding Club , to the Harvard Natural History Society , and to the Harvard College Library . The University Archives, at the time a department within the College Library, received the PBK books as part of its holdings of historical records of associated organizations. The complete contents of the PBK library and the original selection criteria are unknown, but the Archives' subset offers a suggestion of what academically-inclined Harvard students may have read.

The Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was established in 1781 at Harvard University. The Iota chapter was established at Radcliffe in 1914. In 1995, the two chapters united to form the Alpha Iota chapter of Massachusetts at Harvard University. At the time of the consolidation, Daniel Steiner was president of the Alpha chapter.

Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was established in 1781 at Harvard University.

The Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was established in 1781 at Harvard University. The Iota chapter was established at Radcliffe in 1914. In 1995, the two chapters united to form the Alpha Iota chapter of Massachusetts at Harvard University. Elliot Forbes was president of the Alpha chapter from 1985-1987.

The Harvard chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, Massachusetts Alpha, was established in 1781. During the early 19th century, the chapter maintained a library in Holworthy Hall. As use of the library declined, the chapter eventually lost its "Library Room," and in 1855 the remaining books were given to the Hasty Pudding (and/or the Institute of 1770), to the Natural History Society, and to the College Library.

In 1901, the Harvard Archives received a transfer of Phi Beta Kappa books from the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ), which suggests that these volumes may have been given to the MCZ by the Natural History Society. In 1903, the Archives received another Phi Beta Kappa book, "Poems of Nazareth." In March and April of 1937, the Archives received two large transfers of PBK books from the Hasty Pudding. The last PBK book received by the Archives, a copy of George Washington's "Official letters to the Congress," was donated by George Goodspeed in 1983. (Sources: Harvard University Archives HU 255.914 shelflist; Harvard Crimson, 6/7/1937)