Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission Records

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

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.

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.

Summary

Extent:
1 Cubic Feet 2 boxes
Creator:
Bicentennial Commission (Montgomery County, Va.)
Abstract:
The collection contains the records of the Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission, formed to organize events celebrating the 200th anniversary of the formation of the United States and Montgomery County, Virginia. It includes correspondence, minutes, working notes and papers, printed material, photos, memorabilia, and a scrapbook.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
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.

Background

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
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.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by document type.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard