National Ideal Benefit Society Collection National Ideal Benefit Society Collection, 1912-1926 Ms.2026.081Macie Kendrick, Graduate AssistantSpecial Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

2026 (CC0 1.0)

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)560 Drillfield DriveNewman Library, Virginia TechBlacksburg, Virginia 24061Business Number: 540-231-6308specref@vt.eduURL:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-09-04 20:00:17 -0400.Description is written in: English, Latin script. Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech National Ideal Benefit Society Collection Ms.2026.081 /repositories/2/resources/4682 0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder 1912-1926 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. The materials in this collection are in English. Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

 Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

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.

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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.

 Source of Acquisition

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.

 Administrative History

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.

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.

 Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the National Ideal Benefit Society Collection by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).

 Local/Regional History and Appalachian South African Americans -- History Richmond (Va.) Check from the Ideal Nursery of Supreme Lodge's Expense Account/repositories/2/archival_objects/2132161926-11-091Check from the Ideal Nursery of Supreme Lodge's Expense Account/repositories/2/archival_objects/2132151926-04-011Check Receipt from the Ideal Nursery of Supreme Lodge/repositories/2/archival_objects/2132141926-11-101Program from the Tenth Annual Session of the Supreme Lodge of the National Ideal Benefit Society/repositories/2/archival_objects/2132111922-091Receipt from The St. Luke's Herald Printing Department/repositories/2/archival_objects/2132101922-07-131Receipt from the Ideal Nursery Board/repositories/2/archival_objects/2132131922-01-121Thanksgiving Services Program from the National Ideal Benefit Society/repositories/2/archival_objects/2132121912-12-011