Jefferson Society

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The Jefferson Literary and Debating Society requires its probationary members to memorize the statement to the right, referred to as “the History of the Hall.” The history of the Jefferson Society, in continual existence since 1825, is much more than a “one liner.”Please feel free to contact David R. Ensey, the Society's current Historian

A Summary of the History of the Hall

History of the Jefferson Society - 1825-1957 by Mr. John M. Moore (CLAS 1959) - (Word format)

A Rowdy Beginning, An Unusual History: The Jefferson Society From 1825 to 1865 by Mr. James M. Goode (GSAS 1966) - (Word format)

A History of the Jefferson Society of the University of Virginia by Mr. Michael E. Ranneberger (GSAS 1973) - (Word format)

An Historical Sketch of the Jefferson Society of the University of Virginia(a.k.a. Saur’s History) by Mr. Karl W. Saur (CLAS 1983) - (Word format)

Hotel C, West Range, University of Virginia (abridged) by Messrs. Jerry Carrier and Michael Stewart, under the direction of Prof. K. Edward Lay - (Word format - unabridged)

The Jefferson Literary and Debating Society was founded on July 14, 1825, by sixteen disgruntled members of the now-defunct Patrick Henry Society in Room 7, West Lawn.

Selections from our Archives

Officers, Committee Chairs & Recognition Recipients List
Officers By Name | Officers by Year | Award Recipients and Debaters by Year
One of the ongoing projects of the Historical Committee is the collection of information regarding officers, committee chairs and recognition recipients. The online data will be updated as we continue our research.
Moomaw Oratorical Contest - Winners Since 1948
Established in 1948 through the generosity of Mr. Benjamin C. Moomaw (MED 1899), the Society annually hosts the Oratorical Contest. Traditionally held in the Spring, the Contest recognizes the best speaker at the University and awards him or her a $500 scholarship. You can learn more here.
Medal from 1857 - Front | Back | Source
Scans of a medal awarded by the society. Images come from Mr. John M. Sallay, a private collector of American medals. Medals were given on various occasions including at the annual contest for the “Best Debater at the University.” Mr. Sallay currently owns two such “award medals.” Another resides with the University of Virginia’s Special Collections Department in the library
Invitation from 1877- Press Release
Scans of the invitation which marked a final celebration of The Jefferson Literary Society on Tuesday, June 26th 1877 at 8:30 P.M.

Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions.