Whitman College Phi Mu records

Collection

Identifier: WCA-060

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Phi Mu collection contains general records, correspondence, photographs, announcements and publications related to the sorority.

Dates

1912-2013

Creator

Phi Mu Fraternity (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical / Historical

Phi Mu was founded as the Philomathean Society in 1852, and became an officially recognized Greek-Letter Sorority in 1904. Today, the organization has 123 collegiate chapters in the United States. In 1913, a group of fourteen women petitioned the Whitman College Board, and the Phi Mu organization, for permission to start their own chapter of the sorority. In 1914, their wish was granted, and Phi Mu became the first official Greek Group at Whitman. Phi Mu disbanded in 1955 after mounting financial pressure put a significant strain on the sorority, but the group still has an important legacy on campus as the first of many fraternal associations. Today, the Phi Mu chapter room is home to Kappa Alpha Theta, another National sorority.

Extent

2 Linear Feet (1 half manuscript box, 1 flat box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Phi Mu sorority resided at Whitman College from 1914 to 1955, holding the distinction of Whitman's first national Greek organization. The Phi Mu collection contains general records, correspondence, photographs, announcements and publications related to the sorority.