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Clearwater American Association of University Women Records, 1960-2015

 

Summary

Abstract:
This collection contains materials relatd to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) from the Clearwater Branch, Florida. The AAUW women supported the advancement of equity of women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. They donated multiple scrapbooks consisting of photographs of meetings, conferences, and tea honorings along with newspaper clippings of current events throughout the year, club activities, and achievements of their members. Directories, awards, and proclamations can also be found in the collection.
Extent:
4.5 Linear Feet 9 Boxes
Language:
The materials are written in English.
Preferred citation:

Clearwater American Association of University Women Records, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Background

Scope and content:

Series I: Organizational Files, 1960-2015, contains thirteen scrapbooks and multiple booklets and awards. These scrapbooks contain photographs of tea honorings, meetings, and conferences along with the organization's activities. There are photographs of members of AAUW throughout all these scrapbooks. Achievements of women in the organization are showcased through multiple newspaper clippings that were published in the local Clearwater, Florida newspaper. Most of these scrapbooks contain materials and newspaper clippings of current events that occurred in Clearwater throughout that specific year. There is a photo album consisting of photos and newspaper clippings of AAUW throughout the years. Some of these newspaper clippings showcase achievements of women from AAUW, current events that occurred throughout the years, and AAUW missions. The files in this collection are booklets of directories from AAUW consisting of their members and organizational matters. There are two award certificates for membership growth and proclamations from the mayor of the city of Clearwater, Florida.

Biographical / historical:

The Clearwater Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), located in Clearwater, Florida, was first established in 1949. AAUW's mission stands for the advancement of equity of women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. They have been a part of the advancement of women through education for over sixty years. The Clearwater Branch of AAUW was first organized at 417 Jasmine Way as Patricia Goldschlag as their first president. Many of their members held public offices such as the School Board, the Clearwater City Commission, the Clearwater East Library, and the West Coast Regional Water Board. One of their members, Rita Garvey, even later became the Clearwater Mayor. During the 1950s, study groups were created within the organization and included controversial topics such as Florida Work Standards for Women and Children, Economic Opportunities in Florida, Segregation, and more. AAUW during the 1960s supported low-income housing and were against open space schools. They sought out policy changes for kindergarten to be placed in public schools. In the 1970s, they changed the roles of women in today's society and "Mrs. John Doe becomes Jane Doe". They began to invite men to join AAUW in the 1980s and held different study groups such as investment, computer literacy, and a writer's group. During the 1990s, they focused on education for children and organized scholarship funds. Throughout their time as an organization, they raised many funds for fellowships, an updated library system in Clearwater, and scholarships for young girls aspiring to be in a professional career. As of the 21st century, they have created the Food Bank and Haven House, focused on heart health, and have supported the memories of women during World War II. Their challenge today supports Breaking through Barriers, bullying in schools, and Title IX which protects a girl's right to play sports.

Acquisition information:
The Clearwater American Association of University Women donated these materials to the University of Central Florida Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives in 2021 (CFM2021_07).
Arrangement:

The collection is organized in chronological order.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Terms of access:

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Preferred citation:

Clearwater American Association of University Women Records, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Location of this collection:
John C. Hitt Library
12701 Pegasus Drive, Building 2
Orlando
FL
32816-8030
USA