International Women's Club records

Collection

Identifier: IWA0798

Staff Only
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Scope and Contents

The International Women's Club records date from 1959-2000 and are organized into a single series, Chronological Files, which is then separated into Club records, Survey, and Photographs; within these subdivisions, materials are organized chronologically by academic year.

The Club Records include the original charter, monthly newsletters, calendars of events, lists of members, newspaper articles, minutes, and applications, as well as a few photographs.

Also documented is the group's 1995 member survey, including a copy of the participant solicitation, survey instrument, and a summary of the survey results. Photographs include images taken at group social events and outings.

Dates

Creation: 1959-2000

Creator

International Women's Club (Iowa City, Iowa) (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

The papers are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright held by the donor has been transferred to the University of Iowa.

However, copyright status for some collection materials may be unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owner. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility and potential liability based on copyright infringement for any use rests exclusively and solely with the user. Users must properly acknowledge the Iowa Women’s Archives, The University of Iowa Libraries, as the source of the material. For further information, visit https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/sc/services/rights/

Biographical / Historical

Established in 1959, the International Wives Club's stated purpose was to "carry on an informal social program of activities of interest to housewives and mothers the world around." It was affiliated with the University of Iowa Office of International Students and Scholars, and remains affiliated with the University of Iowa International Programs, but it is run entirely by volunteer members. In 1978, members voted to change the organization's name to the International Women's Club.

The International Women's Club describes itself today as "...a group of women from the U.S.A. and around the world who share activities that promote friendship and understanding." Membership is open to all women, and by extension their families, who are often included in group activities. There are several different interest groups, and members may attend whichever they choose: an excursion group that visits events and sites in the Iowa City area, a cooking demonstration group, supper and lunch clubs, a morning coffee group, a craft group, and a ten-week English class offered in both fall and spring semesters. Past activities have also included progressive dinners, potlucks, and fashion shows.