Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1956-2017 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
5.26 linear feet (4 records center boxes, 3 document cases)
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
Dr. Alfred Durham, a Kiwanis member, founded the Altrusa Institute in Nashville in 1917 during World War I, recognizing the need for women’s civic organizations. He organized clubs in Nashville, Louisville, and Dayton before meeting Mamie L. Bass in Indianapolis.
Mamie L. Bass, former Superintendent of the Women's Division of the U.S. Employment Services, envisioned a greater purpose for Altrusa. At the first convention in June 1918, Altrusa became a classified service organization for business and professional women, renamed the National Association of Altrusa Clubs. Bass authored the Principles of Altrusa, defining it as “a builder of women,” officially adopted in 1921. By 1922, there were 20 clubs.
Altrusa promoted vocational education for women, later expanding to scholarships and guidance for both young and older women. It became international in 1935 with a club in Mexico and soon expanded to other countries. In 1946, Altrusa sent its first representative to the United Nations.
In 1966, Altrusa founded ASTRA clubs for young women aged 13–21. Literacy became a permanent service focus in 1977, and in 1997, the Altrusa Foundation adopted Camp Safe Haven for children with HIV/AIDS. In 1989, Altrusa added environmental initiatives to its mission.
Today, Altrusa remains a community-based organization dedicated to local service—supporting shelters, youth, literacy, and housing projects. District Seven includes Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The Altrusa Records collection documents the activities of Altrusa International District Seven and the Altrusa International Club of Brookings, South Dakota, from 1956 to 2017. The materials include administrative, financial, and event records that reflect the organization’s leadership, service projects, and regional conferences. The collection contains minutes, reports, treasurer’s records, correspondence, membership lists, strategic plans, bylaws, handbooks, and administrative files. A significant portion of the collection consists of materials from annual District Seven Conferences and Presidents’ Workshops held from 1956 to 1995, including programs, reports, banquet menus, and minutes. Also included are records of local Brookings club activities such as the Literacy Lunch, Harvest and Harmony, Wild Game Dinner, Bridge Marathon, and mini-grant programs. The collection documents the organization’s community service efforts, literacy initiatives, and regional leadership development within Altrusa International.
This collection provides documentation of Altrusa International District Seven and the Brookings club’s community engagement, leadership development, and literacy advocacy efforts in the upper Midwest. It illustrates the role of a women’s service organization in promoting education, philanthropy, and civic participation from the mid-twentieth century into the early twenty-first century.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Information request form: Ask Us!
- This collection is open for research in the Reading Room; materials cannot be checked out.
- Not all materials are digitized due to copyright, donor restrictions, or physical condition.
- Contact us in advance to prepare for your visit. If you cannot visit, we will do our best to help remotely.
Telephone: 605-688-5094
Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
- Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Language of material
English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Using this inventory
- This inventory lists the collection’s materials; not all are digitized due to copyright, restrictions, or condition.
- If available, digital links appear in the folder details. Select a folder title and scroll down to view the record details.
Finding aids
Uploaded finding aid
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Altrusa International (Subject)