There’s no doubt we’re living in unprecedented times and experiencing firsthand events that history books will talk about in years to come. But nobody knows history quite like members of Phi Alpha Theta!

Originally called the University Historical Society, Phi Alpha Theta was established in 1921 after a professor at the University of Arkansas saw a need for a co-ed fraternity to bring together history scholars.

According to their website, they are “a professional society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. We seek to bring students and teachers together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by our members in a variety of ways.”

In order to qualify for membership, undergrad students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in History with a minimum of a 3.1 GPA alongside an overall GPA of 3.0. Students do not need to be pursuing a History degree to join. Graduate students interested in joining must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours toward their Master’s degree in History with a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and have completed a minimum of 30% of their degree. Each chapter may have additional requirements for membership, such as class ranking.

Phi Alpha Theta currently has over 40,000 students spread across 970 chapters nationwide. You’ll recognize these History scholars on graduation day by their red and light blue honor cords.

Are you a history buff and a member of Phi Alpha Theta? Let us know in the comments!