Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction .

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication .

Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], University of Virginia Commemorative Medal, 1921, Artifact-025, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The collection was acquired by Special Collection and University Archives prior to April 1958.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the University of Virginia Commemorative Medal was completed in June 2025.

Scope and Content

This bronze medal is embossed on one side with the seal of the University of Virginia (or similar image), which reads "UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA" at the top, says "1819" at the bottom, and in between depicts a woman in ancient Roman-style dress in front of buildings and holding a staff. The other side is embossed "HAEC OLIM MEMINISSE IVVABIT" on top, "1921" on the bottom, and in between the profile of a man.

The box the medal is in says "Medal struck to commemorate the centennial of the founding of the Univeristy of Virginia, 1921." However, UVA was founded in 1819, as the university seal on the medal itself indicates.

This may be a medal from the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society, a student organization at UVA which uses this Latin motto and has a similar male profile in their seal.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the University of Virginia Commemorative Medal by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).