Crescent Catchers: Saving Badges, Preserving Our History

The Gamma Phi Beta Crescent Catchers is an informal group of Gamma Phi women who purchase badges being sold online and in pawn shops to keep them out of the hands of non-Gamma Phi collectors. Our alumnae chapter president, Danica Duensing, has been a member of the group since 2013.

Most of the badges offered for sale are sold by the families of sisters that have passed away, or sisters who are graduating. Some badges are sold by collectors. The sale of our badges is forbidden by International Council. Upon death, badges should be returned to International Headquarters, unless being held by the family for a legacy.

When a badge is found for sale online, the Crescent Catchers first attempt to track down the sister to whom is belongs by using the Gamma Phi Beta website. If the sister cannot be located, or she is not interested in pursuing getting her badge back, the Crescent Catchers decide if they would like to purchase the badge. Badges that are not of historical value as sometimes purchased by Crescent Catchers for their personal collections, which will be returned to IH or gifted to the chapter engraved on the back of the badge upon their passing.

Badges of historical value are usually more expensive, and Crescent Catchers will sometimes pool their resources to purchase these badges. Criteria for historical significance are:

• Badges produced prior to 1945 • A collegiate chapter charter member • All jeweled badges • Grand Council and International Council badges If the badge is not produced before 1945 or a Grand Council/IC badge then at least two of the above criteria must be met.