American Association of University Women-Wheaton/Glen Ellyn

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-331

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The American Association of University Woman, Wheaton-Glen Ellyn Branch records date from 1957 to 2011, although the bulk of the material dates from 1980-2000. The organization provided a very detailed chronological inventory at the time of donation that influenced how the records are organized. Materials were created and organized by the different officers of the Branch and the way in which the records are arranged reflect the original order they were created. Each officer’s duties is distinct, but projects and areas of focus often overlap. The collection is divided into eight series: Treasurer, Branch Programs, Membership, Historian, President, Scrapbooks, Branch 25th Anniversary, and Audio-Visual.

Dates

created: 1957-2011
Other: Majority of material found in 1980-2000
Other: Date acquired: 01/31/2013

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights to the collection are held by the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

The Wheaton-Glen Ellyn Branch of the American Association of University Women was chartered in the spring of 1956 with 15 members under first Branch President Sally Dow. The Branch promotes equality for all women and girls, life-long education, and positive societal change through its administration of the organization’s Educational Foundation which provides for woman’s education. In addition, the branch initiates community action in local school boards, community education, and voter education campaigns. They are involved in legislative and public policy programs at the local, state, or national level and its Legal Advocacy Fund. The Branch also publishes a regular newsletter, Twigs. The Branch supported the idea of a local junior college which later became College of Du Page. They created a program, Women of Du Page that highlighted achievements of historical and contemporary women and provided curriculum units for upper elementary grades in all of the local schools. In addition, the Branch has published Nuts and Bolts: A Citizens’ Guide to Local Government and three editions of “Facing Divorce: A Practical Guide to Financial, Legal & Emotional Survival.” One of the Branch members, Jackie DeFazio, served as AAUW National President from 1993 to 1997.

Note written by “Wheaton-Glen Ellyn Branch History, 1956-1998” and “Take the Initiative”

Extent

12.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

Series I consists of Treasurer’s files from 1994 to 2010. The series contains budget and financial records, operations revenue and disbursement, membership dues and rosters, and Educational Foundation records. Series II includes Branch Program Files for programs the Wheaton-Glen Ellyn Branch conducted or participated in from 1968-1995. The third series consists of Membership files from 2008-2010, with directory lists, board meeting minutes, and dues records. The fourth series contains Historian files from 1957 to 2011.These records include Branch directories, policy manuals, and Branch-initiated educational materials. In Series V are the President’s files from 1969 to 2000. These include Board and Branch meeting agendas and minutes (1969-2001), annual reports, 5-Star Status materials, and AAUW-Illinois records. The files follow the original order the records were received, which most likely reflects the filing system of each branch president. The sixth series contains scrapbooks from 1956 to 1997. Series VII consists of materials that span the history of the Branch used to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Wheaton-Glen Ellyn Branch, including Branch Histories and proceedings, project and program materials, clippings, and awards. The eighth series, Media, consists of audio tapes from Branch programs and oral histories.

Source of Acquisition

AAUW Branch President Phyllis R. Fogel

Method of Acquisition

The records of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Wheaton-Glen Ellyn were donated to the Northern Illinois Regional history Center by AAUW Branch President Phyllis R. Fogel on January 31, 2013.