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The National Society of New England Women was incorporated by the state of New York on February 20, 1895. Its founder, Mrs. William Gerry (Emma) Slade, and fourteen other charter members met at Mrs. Slade's home in New York City on January 24, 1895 (Founder's or Organization Day), to establish the organization. The object of the society was "to promote social and intellectual intercourse among its members, to offer advice and assistance to women of New England birth or ancestry residing in portions of the United States other than New England."
In 1913 the society was reorganized under Mrs. Henry Clark Coe as President General. The members in New York City became the New York City Colony and the other branches which had formed across the country during the early years of the society also joined the national organization. The records of the New York City Colony contain the earliest history of the society.
In 1929 the mission of the society was revised to read: "to bring together, in social relations, women of New England ancestry, to engage in patriotic, civic and philanthropic work, thus to perpetuate the lofty ideals and examples of their forefathers." The society's activities continue to reflect the genealogical, patriotic, historical, educational, and charitable goals of its founders.
Membership requirements have varied slightly over the years, but membership has been open to women over eighteen years of age who are descendants of early New Englanders, having ancestors born in New England before the ratification of the Constitution in 1789. The prospective member submits genealogical proof and, once accepted by the colony and national organization, may join as a regular member. Other membership categories are member-at-large (for members in regions where no colonies have been organized), junior members (age six through eighteen), and cradle roll (from birth through age six).
Colonies are established in areas where interest is shown by five or more individuals who meet national membership requirements. Colonies meet regularly and may hear lectures about historical, genealogical, or other topics of interest, promote historical interest in their region, or support charitable work. In addition to local charities, the colonies contribute to charities sponsored by the national society.
In 1946 the society voted to make the New England Kurn Hattin Homes, Inc., of Vermont, residential schools for underprivileged boys and girls, a permanent interest of the society. In 1956 the Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton, Massachusetts, was added as another permanent interest. The society as a whole has also sponsored student loan funds at various colleges, the Helping Hand Fund to aid needy members, and the Soldier's, Sailor's, and Airmen's Club in New York City, among other projects.
The society holds an annual congress at which it conducts it business. A Board of Managers is formed from officers and committee chairs to direct society activities. The yearbooks contain organizational information about the officers and committees, as well as colony data.
The NSNEW records consist of correspondence, minutes, genealogical records, membership applications and indexes, photographs, scrapbooks, clippings, memorabilia, and other material dating from its founding in 1895. The bulk of the records date from c. 1913 when the organization became a national society. Earlier national documentation may be found in the records of the New York City Colony.
While the records will most often be used to study the history of the society, they also reflect the general goals and activities of patriotic societies in the United States, many of which were founded during the same period in American history. The membership of the society mirrors its beliefs and, in its fluctuating size, the patriotic inclinations of the entire country. This portion of the United States' population may also be studied for its genealogical origins and ongoing social activities.
This collection is organized into ten series:
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.
Note: this collection has not been fully processed and therefore may be difficult to use.
The Sophia Smith Collection owns copyright to the records of the National Society of New England Women. Copyright to materials created by others may be owned by those individuals or their heirs or assigns. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights. Permission must be obtained from the Sophia Smith Collection to publish reproductions or quotations beyond "fair use."
Please use the following format when citing materials from this collection:
National Society of New England Women Records, Sophia Smith Collection, Smith College, Northampton, Mass.
Periodic additions to collection are expected and may not be reflected in this finding aid.
Processed by Amy Hague, 1992. Recent additions to this collection are unprocessed.
Associated material can be found in the National Society of New England Women. New York City Colony Records, Sophia Smith Collection. The NSNEW has published its quarterly newsletter (see the Sophia Smith Collection periodical collection) since 1963.