Identifier

MA 15

Dates

1935-2007

Extent

1.26 linear feet (3 document cases) photographs

Abstract

American Association of University Women [AAUW] is an organization that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance. Their commitment to their mission is reflected through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research, we advance equity for women and girls. The 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.

Historical Note

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 Notes

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.

SDSU Archives and Special Collections

Ask Us!

If you have questions or would like to schedule a visit, please let us know.

Registration Form

Website

Language

English

Publisher

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

Rights

Copyright restrictions apply in different ways to different materials. Many of the documents and other historical materials in the Archives are in the public domain and may be reproduced and used in any way. There are other materials in the Archive carrying a copyright interest and must be used according to the provisions of Title 17 of the U.S. Code. The Archive issues a warning concerning copyright restrictions to every researcher who requests copies of documents. Although the copyright law is under constant redefinition in the courts, it is ultimately the responsibility of the researcher to properly use copyrighted material.

Download

Share

COinS