Guide to the Vassar College Social Museum Records, 1937-1947
Table of Contents
- Collection Summary
- Administrative History
- Scope and Content Note
- Subject Headings
- Related Material
- Administrative Information
- Access and Use
- Encoding Information
- Container List
Collection Summary
| Repository: | Archives and Special Collections Library, Vassar College Libraries |
|---|---|
| Creator: | Vassar College. Social Museum |
| Title: | Vassar College Social Museum Records |
| Dates: | 1937-1947 |
| Quantity: | 3 cubic ft (3 boxes) |
| Abstract: | Material pertaining to projects and exhibits conducted by the Museum, 1937-1947. Topics include Latin America, the dairy industry, child welfare, folk art, housing, public health, science and industry, as well as economic and social issues in Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County. |
| Forms of Materials: | Correspondence, exhibit plans, clippings, brochures, photographs, and notes. |
Administrative History
Vassar's Social Museum opened in 1937 and was located on the top floor of Blodgett Hall. Its purpose was to provide research material and assistance in the social sciences for Vassar faculty and students as well as the local community. The museum had a special focus on Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley but engaged in projects related to national and global issues as well. In March 1943, in order to curb spending in the face of war-related economic pressure, the Joint Trustee and Faculty Committee cut most of the funding for the museum, including the salary of the director, Margaret Brown. Thereafter the museum continued to occupy the same space and produce exhibits, but was run by a faculty committee. Chairmen of the committee included Helen Lockwood and Genieve Lamson. As late as 1952 the museum was still developing exhibits, but the last annual report was submitted in June 1953, and in September 1954 the Faculty Committee on Committees abolished the Committee on the Social Museum due to inactivity.
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Scope and Content Note
Correspondence, exhibit plans, clippings, brochures, photographs, and notes pertaining to projects and exhibits conducted by the Museum, 1937-1947. Topics include Latin America, the dairy industry, child welfare, folk art, housing, public health, science and industry, as well as economic and social issues in Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County.
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Access and Use
Access
This collection is open for research according to the regulations of the Vassar College Archives and Special Collections Library without any additional restrictions.
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Related Material
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Subject Headings
Subjects:
- Child welfare.
- Dairying.
- Folk art.
- Housing.
- Public health.
- Science and industry.
Places:
- Latin America--Description and travel.
- Dutchess County (N.Y.) -- Economic conditions
- Dutchess County (N.Y.) -- Social conditions
- Poughkeepsie (N.Y.)
Document Types:
- Photoprints.
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Encoding Information
Encoded by Elizabeth Clarke, May 2007.
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Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Vassar College Social Museum Records, Archives and Special Collections Library, Vassar College Libraries.
Processing Information
Original processing date unknown.
Acquisition Information
Transfer.
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Container List
There is no container list currently available for this collection.