Tour
Museum
Once inside the museum you will find that the contents of the cases and the displays themselves are rich in history of Delta Tau Delta, the fraternity system, and Delta Tau Delta’s contributions to improving society. Beginning with the first display case on your left, you will find the personal possessions, letters, and manuscripts from the founders of the Fraternity. Highlighted in this first case is a picture of six of the founders taken at the 1907 Karnea, nearly 50 years after the founding of the Fraternity and the first time the men had been together since the late 1850’s.
As you continue to move clockwise around the room, you will see displays describing not only the specific founding of the Fraternity at Bethany College, but also the beginning of the Greek movement, and the important role that Delta Tau Delta has played and continues to play in promoting the Greek Idea.
Within the cases in the middle of the room are displays of the different historical badges. Since badges in the early years of the Fraternity were so expensive, many Delts did not own them and those who had significant means would design their own badges. A few of these relics are present in this display.
On the north wall of the museum, you will find a display of arguably the most notable Delts in the history of the Fraternity. While many may not be household names, their accomplishments have significantly influenced the history of the Fraternity, our country, and in some cases the world. Included on this display are two United States vice presidents, two Supreme Court justices, two astronauts, and numerous leaders of industry.
As you begin to exit the museum, immediately in front of you, you will see a display showing the Fraternity’s magazine, the Rainbow, and various other Delt publications. Initially titled the Crescent, the magazine’s name was changed to the Rainbow to honor the merger of the Rainbow Fraternity with Delta Tau Delta in 1886. The Rainbow is the third oldest fraternity journal in continuous publication.
Exit the Museum and turn left. Continue down the hall into the Member Services Wing.