The Lambda Society is a Salisbury University affinity group for LGBTQ+ faculty, staff, and graduate students. The Society was founded in 1998 by Dr. Polly Stewart and Dr. Paul Grecay after the University of Maryland System Board of Regents approved a policy of nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation in 1997. The records consist of correspondence between its members, event organization, and research on the state of LGBTQ+ affairs at the time. The Lambda Society continues to operate today, and aims to promote awareness of and advocate for the LGBTQ+ members of the campus community at Salisbury University.

The Lambda Society was formed in 1998 in response to a 1997 University System of Maryland-wide policy of nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation, as well as a system-wide concern with the promotion of diversity on campuses across Maryland.

Dr. Polly Stewart (1943-2012), one of the founders, was a professor at Salisbury University from 1973 to 2003. She taught courses on folklore and literature and was heavily involved on campus. Prior to founding Lambda, she was the faculty advisor for GALA, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance at Salisbury State College, and worked with Sylvia Bradley and Dr. Ray Thompson to found what would become the Nabb Center. Dr. Stewart’s roles also included English Department Chair, Liberal Studies Chair, and founder of the Horizons (now Safe Spaces) program. She received the Distinguished Faculty Award in 1994. 

Dr. Paul Anthony Grecay (d. 2019) was a biology professor at Salisbury University from 1990 until his retirement in 2016. He was an active supporter of student research and served as the Honors Convocation Committee Chair and the Henson School symposium chair.

The Lambda Society records are broadly organized into five categories: correspondence, planning materials, promotional materials, University of Maryland System materials, and research. The documents range from 1996-2003; the bulk of materials date from 1998-1999.

The correspondence spans from 1998-2003 and consists of printed e-mails to and from one of the founders, Dr. Polly Stewart, and various members, although there are some letters. In addition, it contains the listserv emails sent to all Lambda members in that time period. The correspondences often focus on the plans and goals of the Lambda Society, as well as USM-wide policies, and other LGBTQ+ related news.

The University of Maryland system materials contains USM-wide materials like diversity reports, policies that impact LGBTQ+ community members, and LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts at other USM institutions. There are also a few Salisbury University specific documents in the folder that are not directly relevant to Lambda Society.

The planning materials consist of Lambda meeting agendas, notes, and minutes. The promotional materials include brochures and pamphlets, print outs from library and dorm displays, press releases, event information and photographs, and news articles. Finally, the research folder contains pamphlets from the Human Rights Commission on coming out, as well as survey results and data on LGBTQ+ acceptance.

The materials are arranged categorically then chronologically.