Our Story
On April 20, 1898, a sisterhood emerged from the dreams and determination of eight visionary young women in Farmville, Virginia. This group of pioneering women set out to create a steadfast bond that has withstood the test of time.
Our Insignia
COAT OF ARMS
Sketched by Harriet Hankins, Alpha, around 1902, the significance of the Coat of Arms is revealed to members following their initiation.
SYMBOL
Adopted as the official symbol at the 1974 Convention, the sails always appear full to represent an empowered sisterhood that is always moving forward.
FLOWER
The official flower is the purple violet, as they were in bloom in Farmville at the time of our founding and were gathered the morning of the first initiation ceremony.
JEWEL
Although not official until 1909, the pearl has been our designated jewel since our founding and first appeared formally on the member badge in 1903.
EMBLEM
The skull & crossbones appear on our member badge. It symbolizes our closed motto which is known only to initiated members.
BADGE
Adopted in 1903, the badge design is reflective of the Triangle Degree—Tri Sigma’s second degree of membership—and is worn only by initiated members.
Margaret Lee Batten
Born September 11, 1882, in Smithfield, Virginia, Margaret’s never-ending smile made her the sunshine of the Sigmas. Though quite regal, she was known for her dancing skills, extensive wardrobe, and impressive strength. As a young widow and mother, she went on to pursue a career in hotel industry. Her genuine love of people made her an overwhelming success. She entered Omega Chapter in 1960 while residing in Washington, D.C.
Louise Marie Davis
Born in August of 1880 in Cumberland County, Virginia, Louise received her early education at home under the direction of a governess. That home would later become a popular place for Sigma visitors. As a student, she enjoyed the athletic program, tennis, long walks, and practicing perfect posture by marching around the gymnasium with a hymnbook on her head. Though a bout with the German measles delayed her graduation by a year and a half, she still had many fond memories of her college days. She later married and had had three children before entering Omega Chapter in 1963 while residing in in Warhill, Virginia.
Martha Trent Featherston
Born November 18, 1878, in Roanoke, Virginia, Martha was born in the Surrender House at the infamous Appomattox Courthouse. Better known as “Pat,” she was demure, dignified, and much loved by her peers. Despite her serious demeaner, she had quick wit about her. She taught a variety of ages and subjects during her long 41-year teaching career. Martha entered Omega Chapter in 1972 while residing in Prince Edward, Virginia.
Isabella Noyce Merrick
A direct descendant of the heir apparent of King Edward III of England, Isabella was born May 18, 1879, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Described as lovable and a good student, Isabella was perhaps our most mischievous Founder. She admittedly snuck a few visits with boys during the week—despite school rules—and enjoyed the occasional claret ice, a type of wine cooler for the time. She trained and showed horses—and even rode to school on horseback! Being able to earn her own living was a priority for Isabella. She taught at a nearby school before getting married, moving to North Carolina, and raising her son. Though the exact date is unknown, Isabella entered Omega Chapter sometime after December 21, 1969.
Sallie Jackson Michie
Sallie was born at her family’s home—known as Monticello’s Bel Aire—on February 6, 1883, in Earlysville, Virginia. A bright and diligent student, Isabella graduated college with top honors at 16 and was the youngest girl to ever graduate from the Normal School! Though sometimes quiet, her fun-loving nature was a welcomed surprise to everyone she met. She taught in Virginia and Georgia for 10 years, before marrying and moving to New York City. During World War I, she worked for the Army Air Corps in Washington, D.C., and continued until her retirement in 1943. She entered Omega Chapter on January 2, 1974.
Lelia Agnes Scott
Lelia was born April 12, 1880, in Amelia, Virginia. Studious and seemingly older than her years, Lelia was a gifted student and excelled in mathematics. Her room became the gathering place as the Founders first planned their secret society before taking place in the privacy of the left wing of Professional Hall. She graduated from the Normal School in 1898 alongside Martha, Lucy, and Sallie, and was referred to as “the greatest of our class” in the yearbook by the class prophet. On June 19, 1913, Martha became the first Sigma to enter Omega Chapter.
Elizabeth Egerton Watkins
Born July 6, 1881, in Old Point Comfort, Virginia, Elizabeth was described as small and dainty. She served as the associate editor of the 1899 issue of the Normal Light yearbook and was roommates with Margaret and Lucy. She loved teaching and taught public school in Hampton prior to her marriage and becoming a mother to three daughters. Elizabeth was the only Founder to marry a Hampden-Sydney graduate. Her husband Harry Houston, Pi Kappa Alpha, served as Speaker of the House in the Virginia Legislature. She entered Omega Chapter on August 13, 1964, while residing in Hampton, Virginia.
Lucy Elizabeth Wright
Lucy was born Jan. 27, 1880, at Clover Dale Farm in James City County, Virginia. A natural scholar, Lucy started college on her 16th birthday in 1896, and graduated three years later. She was the first chief officer of the chapter and excelled in many activities, including tennis and cycling. She was a skilled seamstress, and—rumor has it—one of the dresses she designed was so popular she borrowed a sewing machine and made and sold several duplicates for 25-cents each. Upon graduation, she accepted a principalship at Hickory Neck Academy and remained there until she married. The birth of her son Robert W. James made her the first Sigma mother. She entered Omega Chapter January 28, 1960, in Richmond.
Our Founders
In 1898, Margaret Lee Batten, Louise Marie Davis, Martha Trent Featherston, Isabella Merrick, Sallie Jackson Michie, Lelia Scott, Elizabeth Watkins, and Lucy Wright embarked on a mission to forge a sisterhood grounded in the unbreakable bond of friendship. Click any of the images below to learn more about our Founders.
Team Tri Sigma
Each triennium, six members are elected to Executive Council to guide the strategic plan of Tri Sigma. The National Headquarters staff works to ensure the day-to-day operational needs of the organization and strategic goals are met. Together, through a team of national and collegiate chapter volunteers, we work hard to enhance the Tri Sigma experience for all members.
National Headquarters
Though currently located in Woodstock, Virginia, Tri Sigma’s national headquarters will soon move its base of operations to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. With 75% of Tri Sigma’s full-time NHQ staff working remotely across 12 states, the new NHQ building will serve as an administrative hub and house our extensive archives collection. For more information about NHQ’s relocation, visit our FAQ.
Our Beginnings
Inspired by their Greek-letter friends at nearby Hampden-Sydney College, our eight Founders first cemented their ties of friendship by forming the S.S.S. Club while at the State Female Normal School (now Longwood University). A year later, surrounded by candlelight and purple violets picked from the nearby woods, Sigma Sigma Sigma held its first initiation on April 20, 1898. By the next decade, Tri Sigma had grown to eight collegiate chapters in five states, and 18 alumnae chapters. More than 125 years and 140,000 initiated members later, Tri Sigma still empowers women to change the world through the guiding values of wisdom, power, faith, hope, and love.
