Special Collections and Archives, VCU Libraries
Founded in 1972, the James Branch Cabell Library Associates work to promote the critical study of James Branch Cabell and the interests of VCU Libraries.
In the late 1960’s his widow, Margaret Waller Freeman Cabell, donated Cabell’s personal library and papers to the newly formed Virginia Commonwealth University. A few years later she helped establish the James Branch Cabell Associates Board, who work to keep the legacy of Cabell’s writing alive.
In addition to promoting the critical study and preservation of Cabell’s collection, the Cabell Associates sponsor public programs designed to encourage literary discussion. The board also supports the acquisition and preservation of Cabell-related materials housed in Special Collections and Archives at Cabell Library.
Cabell Associates Support
Throughout their history, the Cabell Associates have fostered creativity and scholarship. From 1998 to 2000, the group sponsored an annual Cabell Prize, awarded to the best original work related to James Branch Cabell.
Beginning in 2002, the Cabell Associates became a generous sponsor of the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award – a nationally recognized literary prize that encourages new and emerging authors and helps keep Cabell’s name in front of important literary audiences.
While preservation is critical to the group, progress is equally significant. In 2014, the Cabell Associates made a lead gift of $100,000 to VCU Libraries’ new building fund.
Through the years, the Cabell Associates have helped form the nucleus of academic pursuit at VCU through the establishment and growth of what is now one of the premier research libraries in the country. Their generous support has enabled the creation of James Branch Cabell: Literary Life and Legacy and the establishment of VCU Publishing.
James Branch Cabell Library Associates Board
Officers
- Walter M. Dotts, III President
- Trevor S. Cox Vice-President
- Brockenbrough Aubin Lamb Vice-President
- Clare Osdene Schapiro Secretary
- Bucci Zeugner Treasurer
Members
- Robin Farmer
- Edwin J. Slipek, Jr.
- Ron Smith
- John J. Zeugner, IV
Cabell Associates Emeritus Members
- Priscilla Harris Cabell
- J. Maurice Duke, Ph.D.
- William Gaines Ellyson
- M. Thomas Inge, Ph.D.
- Elizabeth Cabell Jennings
- Elizabeth Seydel Morgan
- Tricia Pearsall
- Elizabeth Scott
To learn more about the James Branch Cabell Library Associates,
contact Kelly J. Gotschalk, Director of Development and Major Gifts.