Alpha Lambda of Vermont was founded on May 13, 1939, at Castleton Normal School in Castleton, Vermont. It was installed by the National President Dr. Maycie Southall and Dr. Caroline Woodruff, whose efforts were responsible for bringing Delta Kappa Gamma to Vermont.

The twelve women educators who became the founders of Alpha Lambda were drawn from all sections of the state and represented both the teaching and administrative fields in education.

Founders:
Mrs. Nellie Adams, Miss Jennie Allingham, Miss Florence Black, Miss Sarah Holbrook, Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkness, Miss Mary Markham, Miss Alice Merrill, Mrs. Grace Mounce, Miss Mary Jane Simpson, Miss Mary Sullivan, Miss Bertha Terrill, and Miss Caroline Woodruff.

By the end of 1940 Alpha Lambda had 25 members. In 1942, with the country on a war time basis, the members as leaders of the profession, were called on for many types of community and war services.

In the summer of 1943, Vermont chapter's Dr. Woodruff suggested it was time to remove the barrier of color that prevented qualified colored women educators from becoming members. It took until around 1948 until those discriminatory words were removed. But it was because of Vermont's chapter and other New England chapters that this issue came to the forefront.

On March 10, 1945, the first local chapter, Alpha chapter, was installed with nineteen members. The news of falling atom bombs brought on a new era of responsibility for Delta Kappa Gamma members. Dr. Blanton said that their "educational leadership must meet this challenge with solemn resolve and that we can not fail."

In 1946, Vermont honored author, Dorothy Canfield Fisher, with national honorary membership. Vermont's chapter was strong in its support for facilities and programs for handicapped children. Beta was chartered in 1947 and Gamma in 1950. Alpha Lambda membership had grown to one hundred and twenty by 1950. In the fifties a newsletter called "The Maple Leaf" was established. Credit unions, alcohol education programs, and funds to support teachers to get full certification were the focus during this time period.

In 1960 all Vermont yearbooks were rejected by National as they did not conform to the outline in the handbook. During the sixties Delta was formed and the groundwork laid for Epsilon and Zeta. A plan for continuity of leadership began to form as presidents were starting to be chosen from Vice President candidates. Statewide projects were chosen "to captivate members' attention and enrich their lives". By late 1960's membership had grown to over 400 members from six chapters.

Eta chapter having grown in membership considered establishing another chapter in Northern Bennington in the late 1970's. In January of 1982, the first printed Newsletter renamed Alpha Lambda News made its appearance under the editorship of Aldona Guilmette and Dotti Depollo, giving the opportunity for pictures and graphics. By fall of 1984, Iota was formed as the membership of Eta had increased to a point that it was desirable to charter a new group. The present state membership has risen to about 600 members.

Vermont' state chapter, Alpha Lambda, continues in the tradition of its founders by focusing on high goals and ideals and reaching for far-sighted dreams and making them into a reality.

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last updated 12/12/09