The University of Arkansas has hosted several organizations for chemistry students. The first club, called the Journal Club, was under the direction of Charles Carroll, who was head of the department of Chemistry from 1905-1916. After this club disbanded, a group of chemistry students gathered in 1917 to form a new club. The students met first under the name Chemical Club and then in 1918 adopted the name Gamma Chi. The club lagged for a time when most male students were in military service during World War I; however, the club began to grow after the war. In 1921, Gamma Chi submitted a formal petition to join Alpha Chi Sigma, but this petition was denied. Gamma Chi continued as an independent club. Then in 1927 the club again submitted a petition for a charter to Alpha Chi Sigma. This petition was approved and the Alpha Sigma Chapter began.

Alpha Chi Sigma is a national professional fraternity for people who intend to make chemistry their profession. There are both collegiate and professional chapters. The national fraternity was founded in 1902 at the University of Wisconsin. The objectives of Alpha Chi Sigma include building lasting friendships, advancing the field of chemistry, and aiding members in achieving their professional goals. During the earlier days of the fraternity portrayed in this collection, membership was limited to caucasian males. Pressure came particularly from the collegiate chapters to broaden membership, and eventually, membership was opened to all.