American Association of University Women, Oberlin Branch Records

Collection

Identifier: RG 31-006-021

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The group is organized around twelve records series: Series 1. Constitutions and Bylaws; 2. Annual Reports and Financial Records; 3. Minutes; 4. Correspondence; 5. Membership; 6. History; 7. Program Booklets; 8. Publications; 9. Events/Special Projects; 10. Clippings; 11. National and State Publications; and 12. Certificates. Topics covered include national and state conventions, AAUW fellowships, the yearly tea for Oberlin College senior women, the moving-picture improvement campaign, vocational training, a night school in Oberlin, employment bureaus, moral conditions in Oberlin, town improvement and beautification, issues surrounding World Wars I and II, Red Cross work, and a variety of other issues of local, national, and organizational concern.

Sources Consulted

Roland M. Baumann, editor, Guide to the Women’s History Sources in the Oberlin College Archives (Oberlin, OH: Oberlin College, 1990).

Dates

Creation: 1914-2012, undated

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted

Administrative History

The Association of Collegiate Alumnae (ACA), the precursor to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), was founded in 1878. Three Oberlin alumnae were among its charter members. The Oberlin chapter was not formed until 1914, however. In 1921 the ACA changed its name to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and in 1950 the group’s bylaws were changed so that members would be accepted regardless of race. The Oberlin ACA/AAUW sponsored community programs of an educational and cultural nature, held study groups on topics ranging from the preschool child to international relations, and supported the Cleveland Bureau of Occupations for Trained Women for a number of years. Four Oberlin members—Florence Fitch (1875-1959, AB 1897), Mary E. Sinclair (1878-1955, AB 1900), Hope Hibbard (1893-1988), and Susan P. Nichols (1873-1942)—received AAUW fellowships for international study.

Although the local chapter fostered the educational and vocational interests of the national organization, it also took up matters relating to the social and civic betterment of Oberlin. The local branch was officially disbanded in April 2012.

Extent

2.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Method of Acquisition

The major portion of the records were received but not accessioned sometime before 1997. In 2012 additional materials were received from member Elizabeth Rumics after the chapter was disbanded, and accessioned in 2013.