The Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦΒΚ) is the oldest academic honor society in the United States. Founded in 1776 at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, Phi Beta Kappa aims to promote and advocate excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, and to induct outstanding students of arts and sciences at select American colleges and universities. Since its inception, its inducted members include 17 United States presidents, 42 United States Supreme Court justices, and 136 Nobel laureates.
First US academic honor society, Phi Beta Kappa, forms at William & Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia
The Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦΒΚ) is the oldest academic honor society in the United States.
Historical Significance
The Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦΒΚ) is the oldest academic honor society in the United States.
Events Before
British Parliament declares Massachusetts Colony in rebellion
British Parliament declares Massachusetts Colony in rebellion
Patrick Henry proclaims "Give me liberty or give me death" in a speech encouraging Virginia troops to join the American
Patrick Henry proclaims "Give me liberty or give me death" in a speech encouraging Virginia troops to join the American Revolutionary War
Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott ride from Charlestown to Lexington warning "the regulars are coming out!"
Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott ride from Charlestown to Lexington warning "the regulars are coming out!" [1]
American Revolution begins in Lexington, Massachusetts, with the "Shot Heard Round the World" fired later that day in Co
American Revolution begins in Lexington, Massachusetts, with the "Shot Heard Round the World" fired later that day in Concord
Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, issuing paper currency for the first time
The Second Continental Congress (1775–1781) was the meeting of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that united in support of the American Revolution and Revolutionary War, which established American…
Events After
General George Washington's Revolutionary Army defeats British forces at the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey
The Battle of Princeton was a battle of the American Revolutionary War, fought near Princeton, New Jersey on January 3, 1777, and ending in a small victory for the Colonials.
US Continental Congress adopts the Stars & Stripes flag, designed by Francis Hopkinson, replacing the Grand Union flag
The Betsy Ross flag is a 1792 design for the flag of the United States that first appeared in a painting of George Washington at Trenton by John Trumbull.
American seamstress Betsy Ross (25) weds (for the 2nd time) mariner Joseph Ashburn
American seamstress Betsy Ross (25) weds (for the 2nd time) mariner Joseph Ashburn
Independent Vermont introduces a new constitution prohibiting slavery
Independent Vermont introduces a new constitution prohibiting slavery
King Louis XVI of France and his Foreign Minister clandestinely agree to supply the United States with munitions during
King Louis XVI of France and his Foreign Minister clandestinely agree to supply the United States with munitions during the American Revolution
More from the 1770s
United States Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, announcing the separation of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain.
politics government
US founding father Thomas Jefferson (30) marries Martha Wayles Skelton (23)
Martha Skelton Jefferson was the wife of Thomas Jefferson from 1772 until her death in 1782. She served as First Lady of Virginia during Jefferson's term as governor from 1779 to 1781.
Date of action in Victor Herbert and Grant Stewart's opera "Madeleine"
Date of action in Victor Herbert and Grant Stewart's opera "Madeleine"
The London Credit Exchange Company issues the first traveler's cheques, which can be used in 90 European cities
The London Credit Exchange Company issues the first traveler's cheques, which can be used in 90 European cities
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on December 5, 1776?
- The Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦΒΚ) is the oldest academic honor society in the United States. Founded in 1776 at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, Phi Beta Kappa aims to promote and advocate excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, and to induct outstanding students of arts and sciences at select American colleges and universities. Since its inception, its inducted members include 17 United States presidents, 42 United States Supreme Court justices, and 136 Nobel laureates.
- Why is First US academic honor society, Phi Beta Kappa, forms at William & Mary Coll... significant?
- The Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦΒΚ) is the oldest academic honor society in the United States.