National Ideal Benefit Society Collection
Scope and Content
This collection contains material related to the National Ideal Benefit Society. Items include a program for the "Tenth Annual Session of the Supreme Lodge of the National Ideal Benefit Society, Inc. September 5,6,7, 1922", checks made out to third parties from the Society, and a small broadside for Thanksgiving services put on by the Society.
Dates
- Creation: 1912 - 1926
Language of Materials
The materials in this collection are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
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.
Administrative History
The National Idea Benefit Society was started by Alexander Watson Holmes in 1912. The Richmond based isurance organization provided death and sick insurance to Black people during the time of Jim Crow.
External Source: "Building an Ideal Organization: A. W. Holmes and the National Ideal Benefit Society, Inc.", The Uncommon Wealth, Library of Virginia, https://uncommonwealth.lva.virginia.gov/blog/2023/07/12/building-an-ideal-organization-a-w-holmes-and-the-national-ideal-benefit-society-inc/, accessed September 4th, 2026.
Full Extent
0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)
Abstract
This collection contains material related to the National Ideal Benefit Society. Items include a program for the "Tenth Annual Session of the Supreme Lodge of the National Ideal Benefit Society, Inc. September 5,6,7, 1922", checks made out to third parties from the Society, and a small broadside for Thanksgiving services put on by the Society.
Source of Acquisition
This collection was purchased by Special Collection and University Archives in July, 2022.
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the National Ideal Benefit Society Collection by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the National Ideal Benefit Society Collection was completed in September, 2026.
- Title
- National Ideal Benefit Society Collection, 1912-1926
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Macie Kendrick, Graduate Assistant
- Date
- 2026 (CC0 1.0)
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu