As a part of the Legacy Project, each lodge was asked to put together a lodge history book. Lodges were asked to submit a digital copy of their history by the end of 2014, however they will continue to be accepted as we approach the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference. To lead this effort, it is recommended that each lodge have an appointed youth chairman and adult adviser, who, in addition to having some interest in the Order’s past, can put together an illuminating history. If your lodge has leadership selected for this project, you should submit their contact information via this form.
By now, each lodge should have delved deep into their past to find the names, places, and stories that deserve inclusion in their lodge’s official history book. While memories have faded into the past, most lodges have a wealth of resources that can be used to catalogue its history. Start by talking with Arrowmen who have been active for many years or by finding past historical records. Additional resources to help lodge history chairmen are available.
As lodges create their history books, they should keep in mind that the people and stories included within can showcase the special traditions that make each individual lodge unique. Lodges should bring a hard copy of their book to the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference. This, along with their lids, will be used in the legacy display.
These books will provide opportunities for Arrowmen across the nation to research and tell the story of their local OA history. As lodges look to “observe and preserve the traditions of the Order of the Arrow,” they should take full advantage of this awesome opportunity to research and display their lodge history.
These illuminating books will be apart of the OA National Digital Archive, go on display at NOAC 2015, and should be displayed at home as well. Thank you to all of those lodge history chairmen and advisers for your hard work!