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Creator
Contemporary Club (New York, N.Y.)
Call number
MssCol NYGB 18183
Physical description
1 linear foot (3 boxes)
Preferred Citation

The Contemporary Club Records, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.

Repository
Manuscripts and Archives Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

The Contemporary Club was a New York City social club founded in 1913 with the intent of fostering, according to the club's constitution, "the broad and free discussion of ideas and events, and the entertainment of distinguished persons." The collection includes minutes, membership lists, and correspondence detailing the workings of the club from its earliest years through its dissolution in 1992.

Biographical/historical information

The Contemporary Club was a New York City social club founded in 1913 with the intent of fostering, according to the club's constitution, "the broad and free discussion of ideas and events, and the entertainment of distinguished persons." The founders included R. Stuyveysant Pierrepont, John S. Rogers, John R. Delafield, Richard L. Morris, William Gilman Low, Jr. and Edward S. Harkness, among others. The club was progressive from the beginning, electing women to their board of governors. Early topics included "Birth Control", "Americanism vs. Bolshevism", and "The Psychologist's Rediscovery of Man." The club met regularly until the 1970s when interest began to wane. The last years of the club's existence were plagued by declining membership and struggles to keep the club relevant to the times. The Club held its final meeting in February 1992.

Scope and arrangement

The Contemporary Club collection includes minutes, membership lists, and correspondence detailing the workings of the club. Minutes before 1959 are extremely detailed and include all business conducted, members present, new members accepted, the names of speakers, and often a summary of the topic and discussion. Correspondence, primarily from 1971-1992, includes communication from the club's leadership, letters of resignation from members, and exchanges regarding the club's ongoing viability and future. There is also a folder of annotated constitutions and membership lists, all of which date from the 1970s.

Boxes one and two contain minutes and correspondence; box three contains the club's gavel.

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Gift of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, 2008

Processing information

Processed by Lea Jordan.

Using the collection

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788
Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room, Third Floor, Room 328