Collections : [Virginia Military Institute Archives]

The VMI diplomas collection consists of VMI diplomas from various eras. The oldest is that of Edmund Pendleton, Class of 1842. Contact the VMI Archives for a complete list.

This collection (13 oversized items) consists of certificates, diplomas, and other items relating the educational history of Allan T. Gwathmey, VMI Class of 1923. Gwathmey was an internationally known scientist that specialized in the field of single metal crystals. He taught chemistry at the University of Virginia from 1938 until his death in 1963. He was also the founder of the Virginia Institute for Scientific Research.

The material in this sub-series is related to the Biennial meeting and conference.

Includes Ledgers, vouchers, accounts, correspondence, and other financial records dating from the opening days of the Institute through the early 20th century. These records are a good source of information for tracing early purchases of goods and services; local Lexington and Rockbridge County businesses/artisans/craftsmen appear in vouchers.

These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.

The George A. Goodman papers consist of 11 items related to George A. Goodman, including:

• VMI Diploma and Cadet Dialectic Society certificates
• Letters of recommendation (1859) from Francis H. Smith and Thomas H. Williamson
• Civil War documents, including commissions, oaths of allegiance, and a prison parole

The Gilbert P. Chase papers consists of commission documents, certficates, and diplomas awarded to Chase.

This collection consists of one certificate presented to VMI Cadet H. Franklin Phillips in May 1943. This "three year testimonial" was presented to each member of the Class of 1944, in lieu of a diploma, when the class members were called to active duty in May 1943. The document states that Phillips successfully completed three years at VMI and was signed by VMI Superintendent Charles E. Kilbourne and others.

This collection (five items) consists of items related to James J. Phillips, including:

• VMI Diploma (1853)
• VMI Society of Cadets certificate (1853)
• A drawing of VMI Barracks (circa 1852-1853)
• Confederate Army Commission (1863)
• Certificate, Pickett Buchanan Camp, Confederate Veterans (1890)

This collection consists of photograph albums, diplomas, and papers that document the life of John E. Townes. The photos depict both his VMI cadetship and his subsequent career in the United States Army Coast Artillery Corps (1908-1920) and at VMI as a faculty member (1921-1956).