Processed by Janice Childers in August 2007 under the supervision of Deirdre A. Scaggs, University Archivist.; machine-readable finding aid created by Encoded by
The Lexington branch AAUW records
circa 1936-1981 (predominant 1938-1943, 1954-1975)
University of Kentucky Libraries, Special Collections
This collection is arranged by subject in folders. Each subject is arranged chronologically.
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
1981ua001: [identification of item], The Lexington branch AAUW records, University of Kentucky Archives.
1.58 cubic feet (5 boxes)
The Lexington branch AAUW records focus on the Kentucky division and Lexington branch activities of the organization, and also document some Southeast Central regional, and national activities,1936-1981.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) began as the Association of Collegiate Alumnae in Boston, 1881 with the express purpose of "unit[ing] alumnae of different institutions in 'practical educational work.'" The organization has offered scholarships and continuing education for women, funded arts and cultural activities, conducted research and published findings on social, women's and children's issues. On the political scene, the AAUW released a statement concerning the communist threat in 1953, urging caution in pursuing justice at the sacrifice of civil liberties. The organization was also an active proponent of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts (1964 and 1965, respectively), and the Equal Rights Amendment.
The Southeast Central Regional division included Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Kentucky during the time span of the collection.
The Kentucky division consists of branches throughout the state working independently on local projects and as a whole towards state and national initiatives. The branches in this division meet annually.
The Lexington branch began as the College Club in 1914, becoming a charter member of the Kentucky division of AAUW in 1925 under the sponsorship of Dr. Irene T. Meyer. Major projects of the Lexington branch have included sponsoring educational lectures, providing scholarships for area women, working in tandem with the Junior League to support the founding of the Lexington Children's Theatre, and sponsoring an annual antiques exhibition fundraiser. The branch re-formed as the Bluegrass Central branch in 2002 and now serves Lexington, Frankfort, and Midway.
"AAUW Milestones," compiled by Ruth W. Tryon; "Early History of the Lexington Branch," Mrs. Carl W. Jones, Lexington branch historian; and the AAUW website.
The Lexington branch AAUW records focus on the Kentucky division and Lexington branch activities of the organization, and also document some Southeast Central regional, and national activities. Materials include yearbooks, member and officer directories, newsletters, policies, conference and event programs, correspondence, meeting minutes, financial and committee reports, newspaper clippings, and photographs spanning the years 1936-1981.
Prominent members represented in the collection include Frances Jewell McVey, Dean of Women at UK from 1921-1923 and wife of UK President Frank McVey. (Frances) McVey was a charter member of AAUW and served as president from 1914-1916 (College Club), then as Kentucky division president from 1937-1939. Also referenced are Chloe Gifford, Director of Community Services at UK, president of the Lexington branch from 1932-1934 and Kentucky division president 1944-1946, and Sarah Blanding, a faculty member and dean at UK and later president of Vassar College, who was an active member.
American Association of University Women-Berea Branch Records, KYSX142-A, 1960-1970Special Collections, Berea College, Berea, Ky.