For over 220 years Phi Beta Kappa has been the exponent of devotion to Friendship, Morality, and Literature. The distinction of membership is one which the most eminent statespersons, divines, jurists, educators, scientists, and men and women of letters have been proud to serve. Contemporary in its origin with the foundation of our national life, the Phi Beta Kappa Fraternity is closely identified with the history of this country by the active participation of many of its earliest members in the framing of our form of government, and by the prominent part which those of later years have taken in important affairs of both Church and State.

Founded in 1776 at that venerable seat of learning, the College of William and Mary at Williamsburg, Virginia, the range and influence of the Fraternity have gradually extended until now it embraces chapters in 276 of the best institutions of learning throughout the Union. Since 1883, these have bound together in a National Organization -- The Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Recognizing the merit of educated womanhood, the Fraternity in 1875 extended its privileges to women on equal terms with men. True to its original purpose, it has ever cherished the sentiment expressed in its Greek motto, Philosophia Biou Kybernetes, and has sought to foster the love of wisdom and sound knowledge as the guide or inspiration of life.

In 1926, beginning with its One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary, Phi Beta Kappa set for itself the noble task of encouraging true scholarship and practical idealism in the schools of secondary and higher education throughout the land.

For more information on the history of Phi Beta Kappa, see the National Organization website.