Phi Alpha Theta | Phi Beta Chapter

The Phi Beta chapter of Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society has existed continuously since its founding in 1974.

The Phi Beta Chapter seeks to develop an extra-curricular scholarly community among Portland State students interested in history. We bring students, teachers, and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by our members in a variety of ways. The chapter organizes a variety of on-campus public programming on historical themes, including panel discussions, guest lectures, colloquia, and brown-bag discussions. The chapter also assists students who wish to present original research papers at the Phi Alpha Theta Northwest Regional Conference and the Phi Alpha Theta Biennial Convention. Every year we send a number of student members to present original research papers at the Phi Alpha Theta Northwest Regional Conference

Phi Alpha Theta plays a vital role in the operation of the History Department, where its duties include nominating student members to the Promotions Committee, judging annual prizes that the History Department awards to history students, and volunteering to help out with public events organized by the History Department and its alumni association, Friends of History.

Membership is not limited to History majors.

The National Phi Alpha Theta Organization identifies their purpose in the following mission statement:

"We 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, teachers and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by our members in a variety of ways."

Learn more about the national organization on their website.