Alpha Phi Alpha, established on the campus of Cornell University, Ithaca NY, in 1906, is the first intercollegiate Greek fraternity for African American men. The Paterson Alumni Chapter, Delta Mu Lambda, (also known as the Silk City Alphas), was established in 1971 by Melvin Washington, James Allen, David Gray, Elvin Hubbard, Reverend Louis Richardson, Melvin Thompson, Reverend Albert P. Rowe, and Joseph Fulmore. Among the current and past members of the chapter are several pillars of the Paterson community including educators, religious leaders and politicians.

In 2022, representatives of the Delta Mu Lambda Chapter approached the Paterson Museum to discuss the development of a permanent archive related to their chapter and its many members. Following discussions between our two organizations, we are in the process of creating a living archive, which documents the chapter’s many activities and accomplishments throughout the Greater Paterson Area. Delta Mu Lambda will continue to add material to the archive, which not only documents the history of their fraternity but also how their members have shaped and improved the community.

The Brothers are teaming up with Museum staff to organize the collection, so that it can be made available to researchers. The first fruit of their efforts was an exhibit, presented at the Museum, in conjunction with a public announcement about their archival initiative.

Accessing the Collection:

Finding Aid Coming Soon!
Partnership Agreement – 2023
Reproduction Request
Restricted Access Request

To view the exhibit:

Complete Exhibit

To learn more about the Silk City Alphas visit:

https://www.dmlalpha.org/