Scope and arrangement
The records of the New-York Colonization Society reflect the goals and projects funded by the society as well as its daily operations.
The New York State Colonization Society records are arranged in six series:
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1852-1968
The Board of Directors series consists of the constitution and by-laws; material related to requests and revisions of the charter and to the society's dissolution; and minutes of the Executive Committee and annual meetings.
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1864-1966
The General administration series contains general correspondence pertaining to educational institutions and other projects the society funded; Board of Trustees meetings; Liberian President William V. S. Tubman; and financial matters. Reports and a subject file concern educational and missionary work.
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1882-1965
The Organizations and scholarships series provides detailed information on the educational and health initiatives funded and administered by the New-York State Colonization Society. Records pertaining to the Booker Washington Agricultural and Industrial Institute consist of minutes of the advisory committee and of board meetings, correspondence, reports, material concerning the 1953 integration with the University of Liberia, and financial reports. Other records detail the objectives of Liberia College and Mount Coffee Mission, Cuttington College and Divinity School, and Samuel Grimes Maternity and Child Welfare Center. Files for individuals awarded scholarships in the nineteenth century and in the 1950s-1960s are included in this series.
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1882-1966
A significant portion of the collection consists of the Financial records. Included are annual financial reports, records regarding investments, correspondence of the Secretary-Treasurer, cancelled checks, and vouchers for work ordered by the Society at the New York office and in Liberia.
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1848-1966
The Printed matter series is comprised of publications including books, reports, booklets, and news clippings.
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The Artifact series consists of the metal embosser with the society's seal.