American Archives Month!
The Society of American Archivists has proclaimed October "American Archives Month!" Some of you reading this might be familiar with the National Archives where original copies of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution are on display. Or maybe you've used the Internet Archive which has archived 916 billion web pages since 1996! Archives come in all shapes and sizes with collections that reflect the mission of the organization or the life of the person that created them. DelVal's archives tell the story of DelVal and the people that shaped it. Items in the collections include handwritten letters from our founder Dr. Joseph Krauskopf, model airplanes, and basketballs!
Join the Archives in October for these special events:
October 16 Ask an Archivist Day: Have a question about DelVal's history? Want to know what the inscription above the Memorial Room fireplace translates to? Ever wonder why so many campus structures are named after James Work? Post your questions on the library's Instagram account and be sure to tag your post with #askanarchivist or send an email to marian.schad@delval.edu
October 24 and 25 Movies from the Archives!: Join us in the Cooke Wing of the Library on October 24 at 11 am, 1 pm, or 3 pm or on October 25 at 10 am for a special screening of 2 movies recently restored and digitized. See what life was like at DelVal's predecessor, the National Agricultural College and watch footage of a football victory over Kings College from 1960.
October 31 Archives Trick or Treat!: To close out American Archives Month stop by the Memorial Room of the Library between 11 am and 2 pm for a Halloween treat!
Mission Statement
Housed in the Joseph Krauskopf Memorial Library, the mission of the Delaware Valley University Archives is to collect, preserve, and make accessible materials that record the history of the university. The collections highlight the activities of the university’s founder, students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and benefactors. In support of the university’s teaching mission, the archives works closely with faculty to provide students opportunities to appreciate the research value of archival materials while learning about Delaware Valley University’s unique history.
From Farm School to University
In 1896, Dr. Rabbi Joseph Krauskopf opened the National Farm School in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Inspired by discussions with Leo Tolstoy, Krauskopf hoped to train Jewish immigrants in the United States as farmers. The school emphasized "science with practice."
The school underwent several name changes through the years:
National Agricultural College in 1948
Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture in 1960
Delaware Valley University in 2015
Alma Mater
By the winding banks of Neshaminy,
Stands our Alma Mater dear.
We look o'er your fields we love,
Cherished year by year.
All hail your colors, Green and Gold,
As they proudly wave on high.
Treasured mem'ries fond and true
In our hearts will lie.
With your inspiration great,
Ever forward we will go,
Fearless of the tasks ahead,
Conquering each foe.
To you, our college, let us sing
Praises of your honored name.
Courage, strength and unity,
Build an endless fame.