Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission Records
Scope and Content Information
This collection contains the records of the Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission, which organized local events celebrating the 200th anniversary of the formation of the United States and Montgomery County, Virginia. The collection includes the correspondence of commission chair George W. Litton, and a set of the commission's minutes. Also included are records of the commission's committees, event planning notes and background materials, information on the design of the Montgomery County seal, programs and newsletters published by commission, and catalogs for bicentennial commemorative merchandise. Materials from other Virginia localities, statewide organizations, and national organizations are also included, as are a few photos and pieces of memorabilia. Completing the collection is a scrapbook-type compilation, assembled by the commission, providing an overview of its activities together with registration lists for the various events.
Dates
- Creation: 1972 - 1977
Creator
Access
Collection is open to research.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish material from the Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission Records must be obtained from the Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Biographical/Historical Information
The 200th anniversary of the establishment of the United States gave rise not only to national-scale celebrations but hundreds of smaller celebrations at the state and county level, as well. These commemorative events focused on communities' pioneer history and heritage and often coincided with the production of local histories and other commemorative materials. By coincidence, Montgomery County, Virginia also celebrated its 200th anniversary in 1976. In 1973, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors created a commission to organize events which would not only commemorate the U.S. bicentennial but would also celebrate and preserve the history of Montgomery County, its communities and institutions. Chaired by Virginia Tech animal science professor George Litton, the commission also organized tours of local areas and designed commemorative items, including an emblem which is used today as the Montgomery County seal. The commission's activities culminated in the "Festival of Independence" celebrations in Blacksburg and Christiansburg, July 2-4, 1976.
Full Extent
1 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Records of commission formed to organize events celebrating the 200th anniversary of the formation of the United States and Montgomery County, Virginia. Includes correspondence, minutes, working notes and papers, printed material, photos, memorabilia, and a scrapbook.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged by document type.
Acquisition Information
The Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission Records were donated to Newman Library in 1976 and 1977.
General Physical Description note
2 containers; 1.0 cu. ft.
- Title
- A Guide to the Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission Records 1972-1977
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- John M. Jackson
- Date
- © 2003 By Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Description is in English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections, Virginia Tech Repository
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu