Rabyn Ratliff
VALDOSTA — The Valdosta State University Archives Museum opened Thursday as guests took a rising tour through the college history in the Odum Library.
One hundred years ago today, Valdosta State opened as a women’s college, and would remain as such for more than four decades following. During that time, the women of the college created a culture of their own, with various parades and plays, season festivals and elaborate costumes created by hand. As Thursday’s tour began, Millis Chitwood, a 1951 graduate, shared the story behind the Christmas Festival dress she wore during her time as a student.
“For the first time after World War II, the students decided to begin the Christmas Festival again. I’d written to my cousin asking what I could wear that would resemble Old English dress. Shortly after I received a telegram telling me that a dress was on the way,” Chitwood said.
Later during the tour, she stood beside a large photo displayed in the museum, of her younger self, wearing the beautiful dress made of black velvet and white satin materials.
Speaker Joyce Joyce, VSU graduate and author, spoke of her time at the college, sharing the struggles and inspirations she experienced during the transition through integration.
On the upper floor of the Odum Library, the tour culminated amid the archives museum, as guests walked about the exhibit, observing items and photos held in various display cases, some pointing out old classmates along the way.
Dr. Melanie Byrd, professor of history, stood by speaking to guests while bringing a vision of the 1920s college woman. Wearing a jazzy, flapper-style dress and hat, she not only symbolized the fashion of the era, but an important time in the college’s academic history.
“The college attained a cuneiform collection during the 1920s and President Powell was really interested in having the girls be able to touch ancient history, particularly that which can be connected to the historical places spoken of in the Bible. Just recently, a UCLA scholar began re-translating these tablets. This collection is a great asset to our campus, because at larger universities like UGA, students wouldn’t be able to come in and really see this ancient history, and study them as our students have opportunity to do,” said Byrd.
University President Ronald Zaccari shared words with attendants during the dedication of his portrait among the other university presidents. Proud of the historic presence and voice that the new museum brings to the campus,
Zaccari announced he and his wife, Nancy, were making a personal donation of $10,000 toward the museum’s continued growth and preservation.
For some life-long residents of Valdosta, the museum photos brought back many memories, not only of school, but of their families and the changes the university brought to home.
“Valdosta State has grown by leaps and bounds, and I think this museum is a wonderful addition because we need to remember our history. My grandfather, John T. Roberts, was mayor of the city in 1906 when the university was established, and having nine children, he saw a strong need for higher education in our community and region. We should be thankful that the people of the past had a vision for the future,” said Lilla Kate-Hart.
Now a permanent part of the VSU campus, the archives museum will continue to expand in upcoming years. VSU Archivist Deborah Davis welcomes the community out to enjoy all it has to offer.
“I certainly want to invite everyone out to see the Faculty Art Gallery on the second floor. Guests have been so amazed by the exhibits of our faculty members and some even said they felt like they were in New York while walking through it. I’m very proud of this day. It was a beautiful event, and I hope the museum made a lot of friends today who will come back and bring others as well,” said Davis.
The Archives Museum will be open today from 3-9 p.m. as the university celebrates its centennial anniversary during a front lawn Birthday Bash beginning at 7 p.m.
