The early records of Pi Kappa Delta mention an organization "archives" but it seems likely that this indicates only a casual storage of historical artifacts rather than a modern archive. From the beginning, Pi Kappa Delta has consisted of individual educational institutions. Until recently, historical records and paraphernalia  concerning the growth of PKD emphasized a specific participating  institution, or chapter, and were preserved at that institution. While this seems logical it resulted in PKD historical artifacts and records scattered throughout the United States and housed in a multitude of institutional archives. This made quality forensic research concerning PKD practically impossible. 

The development of an authentic collective PKD archive was first proposed in the 1980's by PKD former president and historian, R. David Ray. Ray championed the idea through national council meetings, convention business meetings, and through his regularly issued, PKD Historian Newsletter. The idea flowered and consideration of a specific institution suitable to house this collection ensued. It was essential that the institution selected have a modern temperature-controlled archival space for preservation of this material.  Records indicate that in the late 1980's to early 1990's that the institution finally settled on to house this collection would be William Jewel University in Liberty, Missouri. William Jewel had long been participating members of PKD, as well as sponsors of forensic activity (such as the annual Blizzard Tournament). In addition, the institution was home of PKD former president, Penny Swisher Kievet (1983-85). PKD Historical records were sent to William Jewel from institutions around the country and enthusiasm was  high as these records were reported to be in the process of being sorted and cataloged for the national collection.

In the meantime, a branching project concerning the formation of a Pi Kappa Delta Hall of Fame was initiated, and a search for an institution to house this exhibit was launched. The decision to designate Ripon University in Ripon, Wisconsin seemed particularly appropriate. Ripon had historical significance since one of the leading founders of PKD, E.R. Nichols, had taught there and formed one of the originating chapters, even while there coining the national organization title, Peitho Kale Dikaia (PKD). The opening ceremony was held at the university  in February 1996 and included Ripon administration officials. The PKD National office soon followed  to Ripon.

It is unfortunate that neither of these two institutions panned out in the long run. For reasons that are not clear the process of cataloging and preserving archive material was never completed at William Jewel and there is reason to believe it was never actually begun. The collection was eventually removed to temporary storage. As well, the formally robust forensic program at Ripon had begun to fade and the Hall of Fame was boxed away and the space where it had been housed re-purposed. Both the archive collection and the Hall of Fame languished for a number of years.  

Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas is as well a PKD founding institution being the home of the two leading founders; student, John Shields (founding General Secretary) and E.R. Nichols (founding president). OU was Nichols first teaching position and while there he formulated the idea for a national forensics honor society, inspiring his students with the concept. The PKD constitution was finalized at OU in 1913.  OU is also the first chapter of PKD (Kansas Alpha). The university, however, is a small and the university library, built in the early 1950's, contained no archive space. This changed in 2013 during the centennial of PKD when plans were made to build a new  library on campus. The combined efforts of former PKD  presidents Susan Millsap and Phil Voight as well as OU Communications Professor Ryan Louis, and Library Director, Gloria Creed-Dikeogu to establish Gangwish Library as the official PKD National Archives resulted in the shift of the PKD historical material  to the OU campus on the completion of the new library in 2015. An important development was the hiring of an archivist specially for the collection in 2016. For the first time serious attention could be given the development of this material. 

In addition, space was designated for the PKD Hall of Fame within Gangwish Library and the exhibit soon followed. The opening ceremony occurred in July of 2019 and was covered extensively by the  Ottawa Herald. 

Ottawa University Gangwish Library

Pi Kappa Delta National Archives and PKD Hall of Fame

Former PKD President and Historian, R. David Ray in right foreground with former presidents, Robert Littlefield and Gary Horn at the far left during the first Hall of Fame Opening at Ripon University in 1996.