Collection: Theta Chi

Theta Chi Fraternity was founded on Thursday, April 10, 1856 at 9:00 pm on the campus of Norwich University in Norwich, Vermont by Frederick Norton Freeman and Arthur Chase, assisted by Egbert Phelps. Chase became the first president and Freeman was the first secretary. Phelps, who transferred to Union College and joined Chi Psi Fraternity, suggested the name of the organization and designed the first badge of Theta Chi, which is still in use today. The first pledges were Edward Williston and Lorenzo Potter.

Theta Chi was the first Greek Letter society to make its appearance at Norwich. It was preceded in 1853 by a secret society known as the “Regulators.” This established the Alpha Chapter which later became inactive in 1960 when Norwich University abolished fraternities. In March of 1866, the Old South Barracks, the founding place of Theta Chi Fraternity at Norwich University, was completely destroyed by fire. Norwich University was relocated to Northfield, Vermont. One year later, Frederick N. Freeman died in Newburgh, New York.