Young Women's Christian Association Records and Scrapbook Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
Longwood University
Archives and Special Collections
Greenwood Library
Longwood University
401 Redford Street
Farmville, VA 23909
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (434) 395-2432
Fax: (434) 395-2453
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions to access or use for research purposes.

Summary

Extent:
6.85 Linear Feet 1 legal-sized archival box, 5 archival flat boxes, 1 archival photograph binder
Creator:
Young Women's Christian Association
Language:
English .

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains scrapbooks, ledgers, slides, photographs, and documents created by Longwood's chapter of the YWCA between 1898 and 1973. The scrapbooks vary in condition and size, and contain newspaper clippings, photographs, and drawings. The ledgers contains the minutes of meetings held from 1909-1919 and 1955 to 1962, as well as a roll of the members for each term. The collection also includes photographs and slides of group activities including Freshman Commission, Religious Emphasis Week, food drives, and conferences.

Biographical / historical:

The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) was organized at then State Female Normal School in May 1896. The organization steadily grew and became one of the most influential clubs on campus. The organization brought leadership opportunities, religious education, and management experience to students. Religious education and women empowerment were the main features of the organization. The YWCA was listed as an inactive organization in 1975. The YWCA hosted bible studies, weekly prayer, devotional meetings and bi-weekly business meetings. The YWCA also hosted receptions in the fall for Little Sisters, and monthly birthday parties. The YWCA organized Religious Emphasis Week, and activities ranged from organized religious activities to concerts and speakers. Additionally, YWCA organized the Freshman Commission in 1925 to help make connections with the new freshmen class. Freshman Commission members were nominated by YWCA and elected by the Freshmen Class. The Commission became known for promoting and celebrating the Christmas Spirit, by dressing up as elves, caroling across campus and decorating the tree in the Rotunda. The Commission continued even after YWCA was listed as inactive. YWCA sought to encourage a strong relationship between members and Christ. Women were given leadership opportunities through held positions as officers. Officers were elected in March and would serve for one year. The activities of YWCA were left governed by student members which encouraged leadership and taught responsibility.

Custodial history:

This collection originated with the chapter of the YWCA historically associated with Longwood University. It is unknown when the collection was transferred to the Greenwood Library Archives.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard