VT Cheerleading Uniform Collection

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], VT Cheerleading Uniform Collection, 1956-2012, Ms2024-078, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
c. 22 Cubic Feet 14 boxes
Creator:
Quillen, Sherwood
Abstract:
The VT (Virginia Tech) Cheerleading Uniform Collection is a collection comprised mostly of cheerleading uniforms from Virginia Tech from 1956 to 2012. The collection includes Men's and Women's cheerleading uniforms, shoes, accessories, and spirit memorabilia
Language:
The materials in this collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], VT Cheerleading Uniform Collection, 1956-2012, Ms2024-078, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The VT Cheerleading Uniform Collection is a collection comprised mostly of cheerleading uniforms from Virginia Tech's varisty cheerleaders from 1956 to 2012. The collection includes Men's and Women's cheerleading uniforms, shoes, accessories, and spirit memorabilia. Boxes 13 and 14 contain documents related to the uniforms and VT cheerleading, including Spirit Squad posters and records from the VT Cheerleading Uniform Project.

This box contains posters related to Virginia Tech cheerleading, including about the Cheerleading Uniform Project and Spirit Squads.

Biographical / historical:

The Virginia Tech Cheerleading squad was predominately male until the 1955-1956 season, when Patsy Steckler Bean, the first female cheerleader from Virginia Tech joined the team, followed by three more female teammates from Radford College, now Radford University. Since the 1955-1956 season, the team has been co-ed. Virginia Tech Cheerleading has continued to be part of the spirt squad through present day. The collection was organized by Sherwood "Sherry" Payne Quillen '71 for an exhibit in Lane Stadium that was featured for the 2009-2011 football seasons. The exhibit showcased uniforms, some of which are replicas, from 1956, 1968-1971, and 2009.

Sources:

Virginia Tech Magazine

RG 31/14/2

Acquisition information:
The VT Cheerleading Uniform Collection was donated to Special Collections and Univeristy Archives in March 2024.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the VT Cheerleading Uniform Collection was completed in October 2024.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically and by material type. Uniforms were often used for more than one year, and the uniforms are arranged by the first confirmed dates of the uniform worn by VT Cheerleaders. The numbers in brackets labeling the indiviudal items are for internal use and organization only. Some of the uniforms are recreations and are in chronological order by the date of the origianl style of that respective cheerleading uniform. Recreations are noted in the item's record.