National Ideal Benefit Society Collection, 1912/1926

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Dr.
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 26041-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
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], National Ideal Benefit Society Collection, 1912-1926, Ms2026-081, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Language:
The materials in this collection are in English.
Abstract:
This collection contains material related to the National Ideal Benefit Society. Items include a program for the "Tenth Annual Session of the Supreme Lodge of the National Ideal Benefit Society, Inc. September 5,6,7, 1922", checks made out to third parties from the Society, and a small broadside for Thanksgiving services put on by the Society.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], National Ideal Benefit Society Collection, 1912-1926, Ms2026-081, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains material related to the National Ideal Benefit Society. Items include a program for the "Tenth Annual Session of the Supreme Lodge of the National Ideal Benefit Society, Inc. September 5,6,7, 1922", checks made out to third parties from the Society, and a small broadside for Thanksgiving services put on by the Society.

Biographical / historical:

The National Idea Benefit Society was started by Alexander Watson Holmes in 1912. The Richmond based isurance organization provided death and sick insurance to Black people during the time of Jim Crow.

External Source: "Building an Ideal Organization: A. W. Holmes and the National Ideal Benefit Society, Inc.", The Uncommon Wealth, Library of Virginia, https://uncommonwealth.lva.virginia.gov/blog/2023/07/12/building-an-ideal-organization-a-w-holmes-and-the-national-ideal-benefit-society-inc/, accessed September 4th, 2026.

Acquisition information:
This collection was purchased by Special Collection and University Archives in July, 2022.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the National Ideal Benefit Society Collection was completed in September, 2026.