Identifier

MA 16

Dates

1956-2007

Extent

Altrusa International, District Seven Records Creator SDSU Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library Identifier MA 16 Dates 1956-2017 Extent 5.26 linear feet (4 records boxes, 3 document cases)

Abstract

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 collection includes administrative, financial, and program records such as minutes, reports, correspondence, membership lists, bylaws, strategic plans, and materials from District Seven Conferences and Presidents’ Workshops. Records of local Brookings club projects, including literacy programs, fundraising events, and mini-grant initiatives, are also present. Together, the materials illustrate Altrusa’s role in community service, literacy advocacy, and leadership development in the upper Midwest.

Historical Note

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.

Content Notes

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.

SDSU Archives and Special Collections

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Language

English

Publisher

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Rights

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 Copy-right Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, publicity, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permis-sions 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.

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