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Brother Mark "Mallet" Pacich The History of the Sigma Museum
It is said that history is our greatest teacher. We can learn so much from those that have come before us. The greatest lesson is not to repeat the same mistakes. Greek letter organizations take pride in their rich history and tradition, and Phi Beta Sigma is no different. The Sigma Spotlight for the month of April recognizes a brother who has made his Sigma Life Mission to collect and preserve the rich history of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity through the Sigma History Museum. The Sigma History Museum was the brain child of Brother Mark “Mallet” Pacich. During Brother Pacich’s travels to different regions he often got frustrated at the conflicting versions of the Fraternities history and mysteries. In 2000, Brother Pacich connected with various brothers with deep roots in Washington, DC and Alpha Sigma Chapter.
Over the next five years, Brother Pacich along with the help of countless members of Sigma, Family and Friends of Sigma, and the divine intervention of our Founders and Ancestors have uncovered some of the most rare and dynamic history of this Fraternity to include; never before seen pictures of Founder Taylor, historical pictures from the 1914, 1915, and 1916 yearbooks at Howard University, original letters, Conclave Banners, and interviews with Brother Decatur Morse (our Founder’s son), Samuel Proctor Massie II (our charter members son), Brother Robert L. Pollard II (his father was Col. Robert L. Pollard who joined Sigma in 1919), and Dr. Gregory Tignor (his father was Brother Madison Tignor who joined Sigma in 1919). He has also connected with Brother Georg Iggers, who is believed to be the first white man initiated into Phi Beta Sigma The Museum was first displayed in Orlando in 2000. The Brothers assisting in the original effort were Brother Mark Pacich, Brother Louis Lubin, and Brother Ahab El’Askeni. The initial goal was to collect as many newspaper articles, Crescent Magazines, Conclave Journals, autographs, pictures, etc. as possible. Since then, the Museum has been displayed in many cities including; Orlando, Philadelphia, Detroit, Memphis, and Las Vegas. The assets of the museum have grown since the initial display in 2000. The most coveted possession yet to be acquired are the first 2 issues of the Phi Beta Sigma Journal. The museum is only 14 issues away from having every Crescent magazine ever printed. If Brothers would like to donate items to the traveling Museum, either on a temporary or permanent basis, they can contact Brother Pacich at mallet_pbs@hotmail.com. Bro. Mark “Mallet” Pacich – became a member in the spring of 1991 at the “World Famous” Zeta Kappa Chapter at the University of Florida. He has a strong passion for Art, Stepping, and History. Let us hope that more Regional Directors and State Directors will invite the Museum to their conferences and showcase the rich history and tradition of our great Fraternity. We each have a responsibility to know our organizations true history, and an obligation to preserve it for future generations. The Founders would have it no other way. The Sigma Spot Light looks to recognize members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity who are doing great things in our communities. If you know a brother who may be a potential Sigma Spot Light candidate send his information to technology@pbs1914.org.