League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, Virginia
Records, 1961-96, n.d., Ms97-016, 11.0 cu. ft.
History:
The National League of Women Voters was established in 1920, as women in the United States were granted the right to vote, to educate women on how best to exercise their new political rights and responsibilities. Although the programs and priorities have changed over the years, the league is still committed to the following basic purposes: to foster citizen involvement and develop citizen leaders, to help people understand public issues and how government works, to promote discussion of government policies, and to influence public policy.
The League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, Virginia, was established on March 28, 1974, with its purpose to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. Their policy is that they do not support or oppose any political party or candidate, but to take positions on certain issues and support or oppose legislative measures. Any person is eligible for membership who subscribes to the purpose and policy of the league. Voter services include providing information on registration and voting, giving public forums to present candidates, and supplying candidate questionnaire information for news organizations.
Scope and Content:
The League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, Virginia, records, is composed of correspondence, chapter and national league literature and publications, bulletins, candidate questionnaires, meeting minutes and agendas, budget and financial information, bank statements, returned checks, and treasurer's reports. Topics covered in the records include the Equal Rights Amendment, women in the workforce, natural resources, poverty in Montgomery County, education, and recycling. The records span between 1961 and 1996, which the majority between 1968 and 1988.
Provenance:
The League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, Virginia, records were donated to the Special Collections Department in September 1997, via its president Mary Swiger of Blacksburg. Processing of the collection was done by department volunteers, student assistants Kris Borgesen and Sarah Gouger, and Laura Katz Smith, Manuscripts Curator, and was completed in October 1998.
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Manuscript sources for Appalachian History
Manuscript sources for Montgomery County, Virginia, History
Manuscript sources for Women's History Research
Manuscript materials for which there are Inventories Online
