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The National League of Women Voters was founded by victorious suffrage activists in 1920 to represent newly enfranchised women and "to foster education in citizenship and to support needed legislation." The Northampton (Mass.) chapter was formed Sept 19, 1922. In keeping with the national organizaton's original mission, Northampton members publish a LWV Bulletin, write newspaper columns, produce radio programs, and publications aimed at increasing public awareness of local political issues, government structure, voting rights and procedures. In addition to their efforts in the arena of electoral politics, League members also work to raise citizens' awareness about local community issues such as schools, welfare, housing, city planning, taxes, garbage collection, water purification, and public health.
The records of the League of Women Voters of Northampton consist primarily of printed sources including their Constitution and By-Laws, Reports (1928-90s), publications, membership lists, correspondence (1937-90s), minutes (1922-90s), and research files. Also included are copies of the Massachusetts League Bulletin (1936-70); transcripts of League- sponsored radio broadcasts; videotapes of televised informational broadcasts and forums with local political candidates; and publications and fliers produced by the League concerning the structure and functions of local government, housing issues, schools, voter services and welfare reform.
NOTE: The container list for this collection is available in the Sophia Smith Collection. Please contact us to request a copy.
The papers are open to research according to the regulations of the Sophia Smith Collection with the following restriction:
Collection is stored offsite; researchers must request boxes 48 hours in advance.
Access to audiovisual materials may first require production of research copies.
Note: this collection has not been fully processed and therefore may be difficult to use.
Copyright to unpublished materials may be owned by the creator, or their heirs or assigns. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights. Permission to publish reproductions or quotations beyond "fair use" must also be obtained from the Sophia Smith Collection as owners of the physical property.
Please use the following format when citing materials from this collection:
League of Women Voters of Northampton Records, Sophia Smith Collection, Smith College, Northampton, Mass.
Periodic additions to collection are expected and may not be reflected in this record.