Scrapbook [Yearbook], 1969 - 1971

This collection documents the activities of the Tech Community Women, formerly the Technology Dames and the Technology Wives Organization. The bulk of the material centers on the 1920s through the early 1980s. Later records through 1993 are less copious. This collection helps document an area of MIT life that is not as well-known as the more formal academic program. Over a period of fifty years the records reveal the roles of student and faculty wives who worked to promote a supportive social and personal environment for students. The records also show the importance of community groups in providing an opportunity for women to develop and use organizational and leadership skills when few women were employed in the formal workplace. The detailed “pass book” files offer an example of how the organization dealt with the transient nature of the membership. As the membership changed annually with the changing student body, the pass books were created to act as guides and procedure manuals for incoming officers. In addition, elements of popular culture can be noted by studying the types of social events sponsored and charity events supported through the years, from dances in the 1930s to fashion shows and casino nights in the 1950s. Official reports of officers include correspondence, budgets, and planning materials for special events. Yearbooks include lists of committee chairs and members, calendars of events, bylaws of the organization, planning information, and minutes and agendas of meetings. The secretary’s notebooks contain agendas, minutes of meetings, lists of board members, special awards, and mailing lists. There is also a scrapbook that contains photographs, other materials about meetings and events, and clippings from newsletters. Other materials in the collection include newsletters and cookbooks published by the organization.