American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch Records

Identity elements

Reference code

MA 015

Name and location of repository

Level of description

Records

Title

American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch Records

Date(s)

  • 1935-2007, undated (Creation)

Extent

1.42 linear feet [1 record box, 1 document case]

Name of creator

Administrative history

In 1931, with 37 members, the Brookings Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) came into being under the presidency of Miss Gertrude Young. However, it was not until 1950, after much effort on the part of the members, that the national group granted current and retroactive membership to all women holding degrees from SDSC.

Throughout the years, activities have been many and varied. One of the first programs was the promotion of a kindergarten. The branch operated and supported a private kindergarten in the basement of the city library from 1932 until 1941 when it was incorporated into the public school system. During World War II, the branch was active in projects to aid the war effort. Members helped distribute gas and sugar rationing cards, did Red Cross work and aided in salvaging materials such as paper and tin cans. Over the years, contributions to the National Fellowship Fund have been made regularly with the branch earning the money through many projects including bridge benefits, style shows, benefit movies, and through the selling of maps, engagement pads, books, calendars, and note cards.

Scholarship and fellowship programs have been of vital concern over the years. A small fellowship to a State College girl in the junior class started the local program. In 1962, the program was replaced with one that awarded a scholarship to a senior in high school and one to an incoming senior at South Dakota State College. In 1964, after the death of Miss Gertrude Young, the names of the local scholarships were changed to the Gertrude Young - AAUW Scholarships to honor the memory of the first president of the Brookings branch.

Over the years, study groups were developed and became more and important. In 1954, three groups - child study, money management, and international relations - joined two established groups - music and crafts. In 1963-64, a new structure was imposed on the study approach. The groups since then have centered in four interests areas - community problems, cultural interests, education and world problems. Many action programs have been the result of these study groups and other special concerns of the members. Some of these have been supporting educational television, promoting books and magazines distributed in foreign countries, and a resolution proposing a room for retarded and emotionally handicapped children in local school systems. Study groups have also concerned themselves with problems in urban space, consumer education, innovations and crises in education and values in society, science and the arts. Interest has also centered on the legislative process, particularly in the areas of education and women's rights.

Content and structure elements

Scope and content

This collection is composed of official records of the American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch's activities, including reports, minutes, newsletters, programs, bylaws and correspondence. No series is complete.

The administrative series is composed of annual reports, bylaws, financial and fund raising reports, minutes and suggestions for the president. The Minutes include minutes from regular meetings and executive board meetings. These also include member lists and reports of some projects that were worked on by the organization.

The general series is composed of accreditation material, clippings, correspondence, items from projects and study groups, a history of the Brookings branch, and a scrapbook. The history of the Brookings branch include information on how the branch was started in Brookings and includes biographies of Vivian Volstorff, a member who was instrumental in getting the branch accredited and Gertrude Stickney Young, the group's first president. The material identified as scrapbook, was found in a scrapbook, but was dismantled for preservation purposes.

The newsletters are composed of various newsletters published by the Brookings Branch American Association of University Women.
The programs are composed of programs for events the Brookings Branch American Association of University Women.

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use elements

Conditions governing access

Open. Items in this collection do not circulate and may be used in-house only. Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.

Physical access

Technical access

Conditions governing reproduction

South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.

Languages of the material

  • English

Scripts of the material

Language and script notes

Finding aids

Acquisition and appraisal elements

Custodial history

Immediate source of acquisition

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information

Accruals

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Existence and location of copies

Related archival materials

Related descriptions

Notes element

General note

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Specialized notes

Alternative identifier(s)

ID

MA015

ID

MA 15

Description control element

Rules or conventions

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Accession area