Delaware Valley University Archives

This week's photo is of the National Farm School Band taken in 1933. The photo was donated by the family of Manuel Myers, Class of 1935. Manuel, pictured on the far right in the first row, studied poultry science. In addition to playing trumpet in the band, he was a member of the football team, The Gleaner staff, and Student Council.

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 patrons.  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.

The Joseph Krauskopf Memorial Library was awarded a Preservation Assistance Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The grant will pay for a preservation assessment of the university archives and special collections. A representative from the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts visited the library in February to conduct the assessment. Findings from the assessment will be used to ensure the material in the archives is preserved for future Aggies, alumni, and researchers!

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

By the winding banks of Neshaminy, 
Stands our Alma Mater dear. 
We look o'er your fields we love, 
Cherished year by year. 
All hails 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.