Delta Phi Delta is the oldest national honorary art fraternity in the United States. Organized as the Palette Club in 1909 at the University of Kansas, it was later renamed Delta Phi Delta and is open to men and women. Its official magazine, Palette, began publication in 1911.

The Kappa Chapter of Delta Phi Delta was chartered at the University of North Dakota on December 2, 1922. The Kappa Chapter sponsored demonstrations and talks concerning art, architecture, and related subjects. The national organization gave scholarships to Kappa Chapter members. Paul E. Barr (1892-1953), Professor of Art and Art Department head at UND (1928-1953), served as the National 1st Vice President of Delta Phi Delta for two years. The last reference to Kappa Chapter was in the 1960 Dacotah Annual.