National OA Historical and Preservation Project

The National Order of the Arrow Committee realizes that we all must "preserve" the traditions of the Order of the Arrow as best we can. To do that, the Order of the Arrow has begun an archival project to digitally store images of the memorabilia, insignia, and memories that compose the nearly 100 years of history of our Order. There will be an ongoing effort for the next several year to capture high resolution and detailed information about all of the items that will be cataloged and databased. Items that are being cataloged include, but are not limited to: letters and speeches by Dr. Goodman, photos of the founding fathers, interviews with the second generation founders, OA insignia and patches, and lots more! This catalog of photos and videos will be delivered to Arrowmen via the internet, where the user will be able to browse and search the database online. Arrowmen across the nation will be able to use this valuable information and history of our Order for anything from presentations to Troops to the production of the lodge newsletter.

During this year's conference, the National OA History and Preservation Committee will be interviewing those that have lived our history, and knew our founders the best. Dabney Kennedy, a member of the National Order of the Arrow Committee, was elected into the Order of the Arrow in 1950, and was interviewed by the National OA History and Preservation Committee. He spoke of going through his Ordeal in Texas, and being one of the first in his lodge to receive the Brotherhood Honor as well as one of the first three from his lodge to receive the Vigil Honor. Mr. Dabney also attended several area meetings, and got to know E. Urner Goodman when he was a youth in the Order. Dabney's memories will be added to the memories of Dr. Goodman already archived. These memories, including the servant legacy of the Order of the Arrow, will last forever as a part of the National Order of the Arrow History and Preservation Project.

Yesterday, the National OA History and Preservation Committee had a chance to interview and speak with the family of E. Urner Goodman. The sons and daughters of Dr. Goodman shared personal memories of the man behind it all, and proved that E. Urner Goodman led a life of cheerful service to his fellow man. You can read more about E. Urner Goodman and the interview of his family here at NOAC 2004. The National OA History and Preservation Committee will also be interviewing other second generation founders, or those who knew our founders best and worked with the founding fathers, throughout the rest of NOAC. The Committee is still gathering originals and working on digitizing the history of our Order. Look for these images on the National Order of the Arrow web site in the coming months.

Revised 8/2/04