| Jefferson Literary and Debating Society | |
|---|---|
| ΦΠΘ | |
 | |
| Founded | July 14, 1825 University of Virginia |
| Type | Debating Society |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Scope | Local |
| Motto | Haec Olim Meminisse Iuvabit |
| Colors | Pink, Gray, and Blue |
| Chapters | 1 |
| Nickname | The Jefferson Society |
| Headquarters | University of Virginia, Hotel C, West Range (Jefferson Hall) Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 United States |
| Website | jeffersonsociety.org |
The Jefferson Literary and Debating Society (commonly known as "Jeff Soc") is the oldest continuously existing collegiate debating society in North America. The society was founded on July 14, 1825, in Room Seven, West Lawn at the University of Virginia. Named for the founder of the University, Thomas Jefferson, the society regularly meets on Friday evenings at "The Hall" in the Lawn.
The society's members have included several Presidents of the United States, a British Prime Minister as well as governors, senators and congresspeople. Its motto, Haec Olim Meminisse Iuvabit, is taken from Virgil's Aeneid and roughly translates to, "In the future it will be pleasing to remember these things." Its Greek name ΦΠΘ, initials for Φίλοί, Πατρίς, θεός (philoi, patris, theos, or "brotherhood, fatherland, divinity"), makes the society the second oldest Greek-lettered organization in the United States.
