The Council on Virginia Tech History

Examining Virginia Tech's histories in the context of today and the Beyond Boundaries vision for the future as the university celebrates its sesquicentennial.

Virginia Tech is celebrating its sesquicentennial in 2021-22. This milestone has provided a unique opportunity for the Council on Virginia Tech History to reflect on Virginia Tech's history which has been closely associated with the history of Virginia, the history of the South, and the history of America.

The Council on Virginia Tech History explores how Virginia Tech might recognize and acknowledge its history in the context of today and the Beyond Boundaries vision for the future as the university celebrates its 150th anniversary. Periodically, the council will communicate its findings in ways that incorporate the university's core missions of teaching and learning, research and discovery, and service and engagement. Its findings and recommendations will be shared with the president, relevant bodies of shared governance, and broader community.

1872 Forward: Celebrating Virginia Tech - A Sesquicentennial Event


COUNCIL ON VIRGINIA TECH HISTORY MEMBERSHIP

Formed in 2017, the Council on Virginia Tech History consists of cross-disciplinary experts from the university and surrounding communities.


COUNCIL ON VIRGINIA TECH HISTORY COMMITTEES

In preperation for Virginia Tech's sesquicentennial in 2021-22, the Council on Virginia Tech History developed a comprehensive approach for broad-based programming endorsed and supported by President Tim Sands. Six committees were charged with developing and producing projects that reflect the multiple perspectives of the university's shared history. 

A member of Visualizing Virginia Tech History testing their augmented reality programming at the Fraction Family House in 2019.

Utilizing cutting-edge technology including augmented and virtual reality, Visualizing Virginia Tech History team is presenting university history through multiple dimensions.

Ren Harman, VT Stories project manager, records a short memory of Virginia Tech at the 2019 Bringing VT Stories to Life event.

VT Stories, the 2015 Beyond Boundaries oral history initiative from President Tim Sands, has partnered with the Council on Virginia Tech History to preserve stories of the university's communities.

Peter Wallenstein, professor of history, is developing a second edition of his book, Virginia Tech, Land-Grant University, 1872-1997, and a new volume exploring the subsequent years of Virginia Tech's history leading to its sesquicentennial.

The Historic Markers Committee is expanding exterior interpretive signage offered on Virginia Tech's campuses and improving current biomarkers.

Using creative expression as a means of storytelling, the Public Art Committee is developing a public art installation depicting Virginia Tech's overlapping histories.

Dr. Menah Pratt-Clarke captures a short play performed by students participating in the efforts of Voices in the Stone at the 2019 Bringing VT Histories to Life event.

Members of Voices in the Stone bring Virginia Tech's stories to life through live performance in theatre, dance, and music.


RECOMMENDATION TO THE COMMEMORATIVE TRIBUTES COMMITTEE

Council on Virginia Tech History's Recommendation to the Commemorative Tributes Committee Related to Hoge and Whitehurst Halls:

BLACK HISTORY OF VIRGINIA TECH

Projects underway acknowledging Virginia Tech's Black history in the context of today and the Beyond Boundaries vision for the future.


RECENT COUNCIL ON VIRGINIA TECH HISTORY UPDATES


RELATED CONTENT

The Land Speaks is a transdisciplinary collaboration amongst Virginia Tech's faculty members to highlight the stories of the Monacan Indian Nation.

Virginia Tech will celebrate its sesquicentennial over the course of a year, from Fall 2021 until Fall 2022, with its global communities.