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James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
820 Madison DriveGrace Thomsen
The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library.For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu..
Collection open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.
The collection was originally donated to the Office of Alumni Relations closely following the death of Barbara McKnight Benham. The collection was transferred to Special Collections in November of 2022.
[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Barbara McKnight Benham Papers, 1966-2021, SC 0338, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
Katelyn Galbraith, assistant director of events and operations, transferred the materials from the Office of Alumni Relations on November 28, 2022.
Some materials not related to McKnight's time as a student at Madison College, including a high school poetry publication, a 1913 Schooma'am in poor condition, and a framed facsimile silhouette of James Madison, were not retained.
Barbara "Bobbie Ann" McKnight Benham (1948-2022) was born on February 19, 1948 in Neptune, New Jersey. She attended Madison College, now James Madison University, from 1966-1970 where she majored in English, participated in the hockey and tennis programs, and was elected senior class president. After she graduated, McKnight remained active as a Madison College alumna by holding leadership positions and planning alumni events for the class of 1970 alumni group. She began teaching English at Manasquan High School before she married Bill Benham, whom she met at Madison College, on August 14, 1971.
The Barbara McKnight Benham Papers, 1966-2021, comprise five folders of materials related to Madison College sorority life, campus events, and alumni associated events. The collection focuses primarily on McKnight's student experience as a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority with correspondence, photographs, and invitations giving insight to campus life from 1966-1970.
Alumni materials include email correspondence between the Alpha Sigma Tau class of 1970 updating the current whereabouts of each member. Included in the collection are correspondence with Barbara McKnight including application information, commencement planning, athletic banquets, and announcements for the class of 1970. Additionally, there are handmade pamphlets and invitations for Alpha Sigma Tau events and photographs from class day productions put on by the sorority.
The collection is arranged chronologically.
University publications were separated and added to existing serials holdings.