Vassar College Digital Library
Guide to the Vassar College Social Museum Records, 1937-1947

Table of Contents

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 feet (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.
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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

This collection is open for research according to the regulations of the Vassar College Archives and Special Collections Library without any additional restrictions.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to quote (publish) from unpublished or previously published material must be obtained as described in the regulations of the Vassar College Archives and Special Collections Library.

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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:

  • Photographs

VCL Categories

  • Vassar College Administrative Offices and Functions
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Encoding Information

Encoded by Elizabeth Clarke, May 2007.

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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.

Details
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.

Finding Aid Date
Dates: 1937-1947
Document Types
Collection Title
Vassar College Social Museum Records