Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1897-1933 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
0.42 linear feet (1 document case)
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Young Men’s Christian Association at South Dakota Agricultural College was officially established on November 14, 1897. The organization sought to promote the development of mind, body, and spirit by encouraging Christian faith, character, citizenship, and leadership among students. Governed by a cabinet with members serving one year terms, the association organized weekly fellowship meetings, conducted deputation work, operated an employment bureau, and provided reading rooms, rest areas, and recreational opportunities. The YMCA remained active on campus into the early twentieth century.
The Young Women’s Christian Association was similarly organized to support the spiritual and social life of female students. Open to all women enrolled at the college, the YWCA provided opportunities for Christian expression and community involvement and was governed by its own cabinet. The two organizations occasionally held joint meetings and contributed to the religious and social life of the campus during the institution’s early decades.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This collection includes organizational records and event materials documenting the activities of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) at South Dakota State University. It features administrative ledgers and various programs that reflect the group's role in campus religious life, student leadership, and extracurricular activities. Also included are secretary’s and treasurer’s books, a handbook for members, and programs for lecture courses, plays, the YMCA Entertainment Series, student conferences, and installation banquets.
The secretary’s books include minutes of meetings, membership records, and loose materials such as correspondence and notes. The treasurer’s books document financial transactions and also contain information related to membership, gym cards, subscriptions, and lecture courses.
The materials provide valuable insight into the mission, governance, and student engagement of the Young Men’s Christian Association at South Dakota State University. They reflect the organization’s broader goals of spiritual development, social fellowship, and the promotion of Christian values in campus life.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
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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. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
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Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
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Language of material
English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
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
- Young Men's Christian Association (Subject)