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Council of Women's Organizations of Greater New Bedford history project records

 Collection
Identifier: MC-200

Scope and Contents

The collection includes administrative documents for the organization (minutes, agendas, financial records, correspondence), associate member records, member organization information and development information of community service projects. Included is a large assortment of photographs. Records of the Womens' Clubs and Organizations History Project and the personal church-related papers of Eloise V. Pina were incorporated from an earlier accession.

Dates

  • 1932-2015
  • Majority of material found within 2003 - 2005

Creator

Biographical / Historical

Founded by Viola C. Manseau during the Great Depression, The Council of Women’s Organizations of Greater New Bedford was created as an opportunity for area women’s organizations to combine forces in order to spearhead needed community service projects. To facilitate this goal, a board was established and delegates representing member organizations met four times annually to consider, select, recommend and coordinate community service projects. Community service projects included: “drives” to collect supplies for organizations, and the Joshua Project, established by the Council as a means to raise awareness of child abuse after the murder of local toddler, Joshua Santos. Elections are held each May and officers installed at the annual meeting. Member organizations are permitted a delegate, alternate and president with the remittance of annual dues. Associate memberships are offered to individual members of disbanded organizations that were former members of the Council.

Extent

3.74 Linear Feet (4 manuscript boxes, 2 binder boxes, and one CD box)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

I. Series: Organizational Records A. Constitution and By-Laws B. Policies and Procedures C. Past Presidents D. CoWO President’s Handbook 2014-2015 (Draft Copy) E. Financial Ledgers F. Annual Service/Donations G. Administrative Documents (By Year) a. Correspondence/Notes b. Publicity c. Annual Babquet/Meeting d. Service/Donation e. International Potluck

II. Series: Members A. Membership Listings B. Membership Organizations C. Member Obituaries D. Area Women’s Clubs and Organizations History Project

III. Series: Pina, Eloise A. Biographies B. Portrait and Postcard Project C. Publicity D. Church Binder (Original Order)

IV. Series: The Joshua Fund Project A. Background Information B. Project Documentation C. Publicity

V. Series: Photographs A. Album: CoWO Photographs (Non-Ordered)

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of the Council, by way of Diane Bolton, former president, December 2015 and March 2016, accession # 16-10 and 16-14.

Title
Council of Women's Organizations of Greater New Bedford history project records
Status
Completed
Author
Racine Amos (Simmons University GSLIS Intern)
Date
December 2017
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Claire T. Carney Library Archives and Special Collections, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Repository

Contact:
285 Old Westport Rd.
N. Dartmouth MA 02747 USA