It was founded in 1904 by William McCully James who named it in honor of the poem by Edgar Allan Poe, who attended the University of Virginia in 1826.

[7] The Raven Society has been active in commemorating Poe's life, including helping to plan the celebration of his centenary in January 1909.

[8][9] In February 1908, the university's Board of Visitors assigned the care at 13 West Range, Poe's room as a student, to the Raven Society.

[2][14] In 1933, the society started its Raven Award program to recognize outstanding contributions of students and faculty.

[11][15] The original award was in the form of a bust of Edgar Allan Poe, based on a larger bronze sculpture commissioned with artist Harold Cash and first shown at commencement in April 1933.

[17] Other notable recipients include Edward L. Ayers, Colgate Darden, Nicole Hurd, and John Strangfeld.

[18] The Raven Society also celebrated Poe's bicentenary in 2009 by laying three roses and drinking cognac in 13 West Range.

[1] The society recognizes service and contributions to the University of Virginia by honor students, faculty, administrators and alumni with its Raven Award.