League of Women Voters of Grand Rapids collection
Scope and Contents
The materials in the League of Women Voter's of Grand Rapids collection are organized chronologically and by content, with the exception of the miscellaneous series that is organized by form. The collection is divided into six series: administrative files, studies, publications, newspaper, and miscellaneous. Included in this collection are materials from the national League of Women Voters and the state League of Women Voters. The majority of the collection are studies and publications. These materials may be useful to anyone studying the political involvement of women in Grand Rapids, the emergence and advancement of women's clubs, and the adversities the State of Michigan or the city of Grand Rapids have faced regarding education, taxes, legislation, and youth, among other topics. This collection may also serve anyone interested the collection 104, the Dorothy Leonard Judd papers.
Dates
- 1912 - 2017
Biographical / Historical
In the spring of 1921, The League of Women Voters of Grand Rapids, Mich. was founded by Miss Grace Van Hoesen, Miss Christine Keck, Dr. Mary Hinsdale, and Mrs. David Warner. This occurred shortly after the league was created at the national level by Miss Carrie Chapman Catt in 1919, and after the 19th amendment was passed, allowing women to vote. The purpose of the non- partisan league was to educate men and women on public policies, government, voting laws and participation. The league was incorporated in 1949. In their early years, the League of Women Voters of Grand Rapids attended local club meetings to educate others on voting, including the Federation of Women’s Club, the Women’s University Club, and the St. Cecilia Society. The league connected with government officials and policymakers to discuss public issues, and to lobby in favor or in opposition of policies. With the growth of the league, the members organized committees to study issues including but not limited to child welfare, women’s health, efficiency in government, industry, education, and natural resources. Later, the league expanded their studies to research laws, social security, national defense, NATO, and international relations, among other topics. After the 26th amendment was passed, the league opened membership to younger voters. In the mid and late 90’s, the league has visited schools and businesses and has successfully helped hundreds of eligible citizens register to vote. The League of Women Voters of Grand Rapids continues to be active today.
Extent
14 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
In 1921, Miss Grace Van Hoesen, Miss Christine Keck, Dr. Mary Hinsdale, and Mrs. David Warner founded the League of Women Voters of Grand Rapids, Mich. This non- partisan organization aimed to educate men and women on public policies, government, and voting. The league was inspired by the formation of the national league in 1919, and was incorporated in 1949. The work of the league has ranged from women’s health, war prevention, education, and child welfare to voter registration, international affairs, and natural resources. The collection spans from 1921 to the early 21st century. The collection includes the league’s position papers, publications, informational guides, scrapbooks, studies, and administrative files. This collection is related to collection 104, the Dorothy Leonard Judd Papers. The League of Women Voters of Grand Rapids continues to be active today.
- Title
- Finding aid for the League of Women Voters of Grand Rapids records
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Sophie R. DelaCruz
- Date
- March 29, 2018
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Sponsor
- The processing of this collection was made possible by the Nokomis Endowment Fund of the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation.
Repository Details
Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497
localhis@grpl.org