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1969
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1969/
The delegate body of the National FFA Convention establishes the alumni class of membership as part of the National FFA Constitution.
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1917
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1917-smith-hughes-act/
The advancement in agricultural education since the Smith – Hughes Act has bettered the quality of life not just for America’s rural and farm families but for everyone across the globe who is fed and clothed by the American Farmer. As with every great journey, it started with that first step. 2017 was the centennial celebration of the Smith – Hughes Act, America’s first step in transforming education.
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1925
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1925-future-farmers-of-virginia-ffv/
Virginia Tech agricultural education teacher educators Henry Groseclose, Harry Sanders, Walter S. Newman and Edmund C. Magill organized the Future Farmers of Virginia for boys in agriculture classes. The FFV served as the model for the Future Farmers of America.
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1926
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1926/
The First National Congress of Vocational Agriculture Students assembles for a National Livestock Judging Contest at the American Royal Livestock and Horse Show in Kansas City, Mo.
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1927
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1927/
H.O. Sargent, a federal agent for agricultural education for African Americans at the U.S. Office of Education, and G.W. Owens, a teacher-trainer at Virginia State College, write the first constitution and bylaws for the New Farmers of Virginia, an organization for African-American agriculture students. The organization holds its first state rally that same year.
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1930
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1930/
Official FFA Creed, written by E.M. Tiffany, is adopted. Edward Drace from Missouri wins the first National Public Speaking event. First Official Dress uniform is adopted: dark blue shirt, blue or white pants, blue cap and yellow tie. Delegates restrict FFA membership to boys only.
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1933
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1933/
Blue corduroy jacket is adopted as Official Dress. A group of FFA officers and members make a pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., where they are greeted on the White House lawn by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
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1935
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1935/
NFA is founded as a national organization at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. David Simmons of Alabama is elected as the first national NFA president. Active FFA membership exceeds 100,000 members.
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1937
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1937/
During the National FFA Convention, action is taken to establish a national FFA camp and leadership training school in Washington, D.C.
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1939
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1939/
28.5 acres of land is purchased near Alexandria, Va., for the first FFA-owned national headquarters; the land was once part of George Washington’s estate. Identical twins Albert and Arthur Lacy from Hondo, Texas, become the only members ever to share the title of Star Farmer of America. The H.O. Sargent Trophy Award is created to honor H.O. Sargent’s commitment to helping NFA members achieve success and leadership in agriculture.
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1942
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1942/
FFA members join in the war effort. Three former FFA members—Robert Gray from Texas, Travis Hoover from California and Melvin Jordan from Oklahoma—serve with then Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle and participate in the famous air raid on Tokyo. During World War II, delegates revise FFA membership rules so time served in the armed forces will not count in determining a member’s period of eligibility. During the war years, national conventions are streamlined events, attended only by delegates and award winners. In 1942, just 217 people attend the convention.
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1944
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1944/
The Future Farmers of America Foundation is formed in Washington, D.C., to raise money for FFA programs and activities. 138,548 FFA members serve in the Armed Services in World War II. The first National FFA Agriculture Proficiency Award is presented for agricultural mechanics.
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1929
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1929-2/
National blue and corn gold are adopted as official FFA colors. Carlton Patton from Arkansas is named the first Star Farmer of America. This is one of the first awards created by FFA, and it was sponsored until 1949 by the Kansas City Star. First National Chapter Contest is launched and sponsored by Farm Journal magazine. At the Second National FFA Convention in November, 33 states are represented by 64 delegates. Thirty-five state associations with approximately 1,500 chapters and 30,000 members are affiliated with the national organization.
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1947
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1947/
The first National FFA Band performs at the National FFA Convention. National FFA Officers go on the first Goodwill Tour, visiting business and industrial firms and organizations.
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1948
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1948/
The first FFA Chorus and National FFA Talent program is held at the National FFA Convention. National FFA Supply Service begins operation. Record jump in membership from 238,269 in 1947 to 260,300 in 1948. So many members (10,000) attend the 20th National FFA Convention that a folding-cot hotel is set up in the basement of the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. First FFA Week is celebrated during the week of George Washington’s birthday.
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1949
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1949/
The first International Exchange Program for FFA members begins with Young Farmers Club of Great Britain.
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1950
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1950/
The 81st U.S. Congress passes a bill that grants a federal charter to Future Farmers of America. President Harry S. Truman signs the bill on Aug. 30, and it becomes Public Law 81-740. The Rhode Island FFA Association, with five chapters and 82 members, is chartered—FFA is in all 48 states, plus then Territory of Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
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1952
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1952/
The FFA Code of Ethics is adopted. First issue of The National Future Farmer magazine is published.
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1953
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1953/
The U.S. Post Office Department issues a special 3-cent postage stamp—the cost of mailing a first-class letter then—to celebrate the 25th anniversary of FFA. The first stamps are released in Kansas City, Mo., during the National FFA Convention. President Dwight D. Eisenhower speaks at the National FFA Convention — the first U.S. president to do so — and receives an Honorary American Farmer Degree. FFA membership reaches 363,369 members.
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1957
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1957/
Former President Harry S. Truman spoke during the national convention.
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1958
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1958/
The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis presented NFA with a Certificate of Appreciation.
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1959
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1959/
First National FFA Center is dedicated in Alexandria, Va., on land that was once part of George Washington’s estate. An FFA camp had been located here earlier. FFA holds its first National Leadership Training Conference for state officers in Washington, D.C.
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1964
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1964/
FFA sells its one-millionth FFA jacket.
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1965
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1965/
Due to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which mandated the end of segregation, NFA merges with FFA, resulting in the end of NFA after 30 years of providing agricultural leadership development for rural Black male youth.
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1966
https://www.ffa.org/timeline/1966/
First FFA National Agricultural Career Show (now called expo) is held at the National FFA Convention to highlight educational and career opportunities in agriculture.
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