Guide to Student Groups and Organizations Records, 1806-
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Student Groups and Organizations, George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine
The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.
The collection contains information dating from 1806 on student groups and organizations. Included are constitutions, meeting agendas and minutes, correspondence, invitations, posters, flyers, programs, and other records. Student groups with substantial material held by the Archives are listed in separate series, while those groups with a small amount of material are listed alphabetically in the series "Various Student Groups and Organizations."
This series contains records of short-lived or ephemeral student groups, and student groups with a small amount of material held by the Archives. If a student organization created records of a substantial nature, it has a separate listing.
Arranged alphabetically by group.
No restrictions.
Abraxas, 1921-1922
ADAPT (Awareness of Differences Among People Today), poster, 1991
AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales), 1963, 1967-1968, n.d.
Alcohol Peer Advisors, 1988-1989, n.d.
Alcohol Peer Advisors, poster, 1989
Amnesty International, 1983-1989, n.d.
Amnesty International, posters, 1984, 2009
Art Klub, 1988-1993, n.d.
Asian Interest Group, 1992, n.d.
Asian Students Alliance, 2016
Asian Student Alliance, OUTLOUD photo project and display, 2019
Asian Student Association, 2016-
Axle, The, 1967
Bachelors, The, n.d.
B.E.A.R. (Bowdoin Exploratory Activities Ring), poster, 1979
Bear Bottom, The, 1968-1970, n.d.
Bear Necessity Pub, 1986-1990, n.d.
Bear Necessity Pub, poster, 1984
Bears Against Cancer, 2017
Beyond the Proscenium, 2015
Beyond the Proscenium, poster, 2015
Bicycle Club: The Ten Speeders, 1966-1968, n.d.
Big Brother, 1966-1968, n.d.
Biology Club, n.d.
Boarding Club, 1828, 1834, n.d.
Bowdoin Advocates for Human Rights, 2016-
Bowdoin After Dark, n.d.
Bowdoin Anti-Racism Coalition, 1981, n.d.
Bowdoin Art Society, posters, 2016-
Bowdoin Biological Club, 1894-1895
Bowdoin Car Club, n.d.
Bowdoin Chess Association, 1967-1972, 1988
Bowdoin Christian Science Organization, 1979
Bowdoin Classical Club, 1902, 1929, 1930
Bowdoin Climate Action, 2014
Bowdoin Club, 1915, 1916
Bowdoin College Debate Association poster, n.d.
Bowdoin Dance Group, 1977-1987, n.d.
Bowdoin Dance Group posters, 1978-1992, n.d.
Bowdoin Energy Research Group, 1978-1986, n.d.
Bowdoin Finance Society, posters, 2016
Bowdoin Frisbee Club, 1979-1981
Bowdoin Literary Association, 1874, 1884, 1885
Bowdoin Literary Association: Records of Meetings, 1883-1885
Bowdoin Literary Society, 1985-1989, n.d.
Bowdoin Literary Society posters, 1985-1990, n.d.
Bowdoin Opinion Polling Organization, 1977, n.d.
Bowdoin Peace Movement, 1968, n.d.
Bowdoin Philosophical Club, 1880, 1992
Bowdoin Political Forum, Spring Issues Conference with Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bayard Rustin, 1964 May
Bowdoin Round Table, 1977
Bowdoin Softball Alliance, 1983
Bowdoin Speech Team, 1980
Bowdoin Students for Democratic Socialism, n.d.
Bowdoin Wind Ensemble
Bowdoin Volunteer Programs, 1973, 1991-1992, 2000-2001, 2012-
BUCRO: Bowdoin Undergraduate Civil Rights Organization, 1960-1969, n.d.
BUT: Bowdoin Undergraduate Teachers, 1964-1968
Caluvian Society (scientific branch of Peucinian Society), 1839-1840
Caluvian Society of Bowdoin College, 1896-1899
Camera Club, 1969-1970, n.d.
Campus Chest, n.d.
Canterbury Club, [1990]
Celtic-American Society, 1980-1981, n.d.
Circle K, 1981
Classical Club, 1942, 1949
Cleaveland Society, 1977, n.d.
Coalition for Diversity, 1990, n.d.
Coffee Grounds Cafe, n.d.
College Bowl, 1963-1964
College Republicans, 1966-1973, 1984-1987, 2005, n.d.
College Republicans poster, 1990
Corrington Society, 1983
Curtain Caller, 2016
Dear Bowdoin Human, 2017
Debating League, 1887, 1906, 1917
Debate team posters, 1934
Deutscher Verein medal, 1895 (see also German Club)
Druids, 1988-1991, n.d.
Enigma Society (phrenological), 1833-1835
False Orders: campus humor in-joke programs, 1851-1857
FISHIN', n.d.
4Q, [1988]
Franco-American Culture Committee, 1968
Franco-American Society, 1969-1971
Fraternity Independent Student Activities Committee: FISAC, 1987
Friars, 1914, 1921
Fried Garoupa, 1984
George Evans Debating Society-Records, 1833-1847
German Club, 1906 (see also Deutscher Verein)
Gorilla Theater, 1982
Green Hornet Construction Company, 1965-1990
Hispanic Student Association posters, 1989-1990, n.d.
Historical Society Notes, n.d.
Hubbard Hall Press, 1950-1954, 1973, n.d.
Hubbard Hall Press posters, 1950, n.d.
Humor Magazine, n.d.
Huntington Club, 1986, 1987, n.d.
IBIS, 1921-1925, 1930
IBIS, Constitution and Record of the IBIS of Bowdoin College, 1904-1932
Improvabilities, 1987, 1990, n.d.
Improvabilities poster, 2016-
Interfraternity Athletic Board and Council, 1902-1911, 1927-1942, n.d.
International Club, 1960-1969, 1984-1990, 2008, 2014- , n.d.
International Club posters, 1987, n.d.
Kamerling Society, 2013-
LASO: Latin-American Student Organization, n.d.
LASO: Latin-American Student Organization, posters, 2016-
Lecture and Concert Committee posters, 1983-1990, n.d.
Line, 1985
Lions of Judah poster, 1882
Lockhart Society, 1831-1832, 1835
Maine Green Party, 1985-1987, n.d.
Math Club, Bowdoin, 1967
Miscellania, n.d.
Miscellania poster, 2016- , n.d.
Miscellaneous posters, n.d.
Missionary Association, 1837
Mitchell Room Meditations, 1980
Model Democratic Convention, 1975-1976
Model Democratic Convention poster, 1976
Model United Nations, 1975, 1979, n.d.
Muslim Students Association, 2016-
Native American Students Association (NASA), 2009-
Nature Boy, 1988
Newman Club, 1954, 1966-1991, n.d.
Newman Club: Oxfam, 1984, 1986, n.d.
Not Ready for Chase Barn Players, The, n.d.
Ovarian Club, 1808
Ovarian Club, 1807-1812
Ovarian Society: pin
Owls: Junior Honorary Society, 1923-1925
Oxfam America poster
Pandonda Band, 1837
Paracelsus Society, 1981-1982, n.d.
Peer Relations Support Group, 1987-1990, n.d.
Peer Relations Support Group posters, 1988, n.d.
Philomathian Society, 1806-1807
Philosophy Club, 1990
Photography Club, n.d.
Pineland Project, 1966-1968
Poetry Writing Group, 1986
Political Club, n.d.
Precision Marching Band
Project BABE: Bowdoin and Bancroft Exchange, 1977, n.d.
Project BABE posters, 1979-1981
Project BREAD: Bowdoin Relief Effort for African Development, 1985, n.d.
Project BREAD poster, 1985
Project 65, 1964
Raxian Dole Society, 1845-1860
Reform Democrats of Maine, 1968, n.d.
Regional Hospital Volunteer Program, n.d.
RISE/fEMPOWER, 2019-
Run for a Free South Africa, 1986
Russian Club, 1992, n.d.
SAD: Society for the Advancement of Decay, 1967, n.d.
Safe Space, 1990-1993, 2009, n.d.
SAFEART, n.d.
Sailing Club, 1968
Saltwater College, 1980-1981, n.d.
Saltwater College, 1981-1982
Saltwater College poster, 1981
SAVO: Student Admissions Volunteer Organization
SDS: Students for a Democratic Society, 1968-1971, n.d.
Slam Poets Society, 2016
SOS: Save Our System, n.d.
South African Divestment, 1979, n.d.
SPALA: Students for Peace Awareness in Latin America, 1987
Sphinx, 1923-1925
Struggle and Change, 1979-1991, n.d.
Struggle and Change posters, 1981-1989
Student Arts Committee: Bowdoin Art League, 1936, 1966-1975, n.d.
Student Center for Multicultural Life, 2016-
Student Center for Multicultural Life, posters, 2016-
Student Chapel-Forum Committee, 1967-1981, n.d.
Student Committee, 1973
Student Executive Board, 1994-1995
Student-Faculty Coalition to Change the Power Structure at Bowdoin, 1980
Students for Justice in Palestine, 2015
Talent Shows and Student Performances, 1975, n.d.
Teach for America, 1990
Temperance Society, 1856, n.d.
Thorndike Club, 1944-1978, n.d.
Unitarian Society, 1829
UQ, 1921-1922
Volunteer Services, 1975-1986, n.d.
W1OR, 1991
W1OR: Log Books, 1940-1956
Warriors, 2007-
Wellness House (238 Maine St.): Programs, n.d.
"What Four": Barbershop Quartet, n.d.
Wherefore Art, 1984-1986, n.d.
Writing Cooperative, 1988
YAF: Young Americans for Freedom, n.d.
Young Democrats/Bowdoin College Democrats, 1966, 1971, 1986-1987, 2006, n.d.
Various Posters, 2017-
The Benevolent Society was formed in 1814 by twenty-nine members who met in the chapel and adopted a constitution for the purpose of assisting "indigent young men of promising talents and of good moral character in procuring an education at this college." The society was to receive donations in books, furniture and money. A committee of the society, including members of the junior and senior classes, made awards to deserving students with the consent of the executive government of the College. In 1826 the society accepted an Act of Corporation and dissolved itself. This was followed by the formation of the Auxiliary Benevolent Society of Bowdoin College, a strictly student organization which advised the incorporated Benevolent Society. In this collection of accounts, constitutions and records, no society material seems to have survived after 1831.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Accounts, 1820-1827
Accounts, 1825-1831, n.d.
Accounts, 1826
Address before the Benevolent Society, 1822 Aug 20
Constitution and records, 1814-1827
Records, Committee of the Benevolent Society, 1816-1827
Records, Constitution and Act of Incorporation, 1826
The Theological Society of Bowdoin College began under the administration of President Appleton. Little is known about the society prior to 1836 because its records were destroyed in the 1836 Maine Hall fire. The preamble of the society's 1836 constitution states the society was interested in the "inquiry 'what is truth';" the group was centered around the study and debate of religious matters. Its meetings were indefinitely suspended in 1850 after suffering a considerable lack of student interest and falling into debt. The series contains acceptance notes, librarian's books, treasurer's reports, and other records.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Acceptance notes from students invited to membership, 1836-1838
Acceptance notes from students invited to membership, 1839-1840
Acceptance notes from students invited to membership, 1841-1845
Acceptance notes from students invited to membership, 1846-1847
Constitution and records, 1836-1846
Constitution - revisions and amendments, n.d.
Librarian's book, 1829-1830
Librarian's book, 1836-1838
Librarian's book, 1839
Librarian's book, 1845-1850
Librarian's reports, 1837, 1844, 1846, 1847, n.d.
Library catalogue, 1836
Library records, 1822-1827
Map of the Sandwich Islands with notes listing the mission stations, n.d.
Oration delivered before the Theological Society, 1820 Jun 26
[Records], 1846-1849
Treasurer's book, 1838-1840
Treasurer's reports, 1836, 1841, 1842
The African American Society was formed by students in 1968 to increase awareness in the Bowdoin community of the heritage and contributions of black Americans. Since 1969 the Little-Mitchell house, which was renamed the John Brown Russwurm African American Center in 1979, has been the base of the society. The center's library, meeting rooms and social space facilitate the African American Society in providing educational, political, and social support for people of African descent at Bowdoin, and a forum for the exchange of ideas in the Bowdoin community. The Society changed its name to the Black Student Union in 2018. The series contains announcements of events, programs, information on the dedication of the John Brown Russwurm Center, and other printed material.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologicalyl.
No restrictions.
"A Conversation on Race at Bowdoin," 1998 Mar 7
"A Day Against Racism" at Bowdoin, 1981 Jan 20
Announcements of events, 1969-1978
Announcements of events, 1979-1988
Announcements of events, 1990- , n.d.
Brochures - "Black Directions", n.d.
Committee on Afro-American Studies - memos and reports, 1977-1989
Dedication of John Brown Russwurm Center, 1979 Jan 27
Miscellaneous printed material, 1967-
Newsletters, 1989-1990, 2011- , n.d.
Poster - Black Arts Festival, 1974
Posters, 1981-1991, 2016- , n.d.
Programs, 1969-
"The African-American Legacy at Bowdoin," by Robert Johnson, Jr. (Class of 1971) - remarks at a Black History Month panel, 1997 Feb 26 (typescript)
"Bowdoin Afro-American Society: The First Three Years," by Robert Johnson, Jr., Class of 1971
"Black Struggle at Bowdoin College, 1967-1970," by Robert Johnson, Jr., Class of 1971
Af/Am/50 Postcard
The Bowdoin Jewish Association, which became the Bowdoin Jewish Organization (BJO) was established in February 1968 in order to provide Jewish religious, cultural, and social opportunities for Bowdoin students. In 2002 the BJO became the Bowdoin Hillel after affiliating with the national Hillel organization in Washington D.C. The organization presents lectures, shows movies, and sponsors other Jewish and secular activities to provide a sense of community and Jewish life. The series contains flyers, posters, programs, and other printed materials; two torahs (access restricted), the 1968 constitution, and typescripts of sermons delivered by Rabbi Maslin.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
Access to torahs restricted, consult staff.
Bowdoin Jewish Org. (BJO) 1997
Constitution and Goals, 1968, 2002 n.d.
Correspondence & Documents 2001-2002 School Year
Correspondence & Documents 2002-2003 School Year
Correspondence & Documents 2003-2004 School Year
Correspondence & Documents 2004-2005 School Year
Correspondence & Documents 2005-2006 School Year
Correspondence & Documents 2006-2007 School Year
Correspondence & Documents 2007-2008 School Year
Correspondence & Documents 2008-2009 School Year
Correspondence & Documents 2009-2010 School Year
Correspondence & Documents 2010-2011 School Year
Correspondence & Documents 2011-2012 School Year
Correspondence & Documents: High Holidays 2002
Correspondence & Documents: High Holidays 2003
Correspondence & Documents: High Holidays 2004
Correspondence & Documents: High Holidays 2005
Correspondence & Documents: High Holidays 2006
Correspondence & Documents: High Holidays 2010
Correspondence: Maslin, Rabbi Simeon Jul 2002-Oct 2006
Correspondence: Maslin, Rabbi Simeon April 2007-Mar 2012
Correspondence: Nelson, Kenneth M., Class of 1965
Correspondence: Osher, William J.M.D.
Correspondence: Reis, David - 2010
Correspondence: Sherman, Joel '61
Correspondence: Weiss, Ernie - 2009
Deb Geiger Visit February 2009
Flyers announcing events, 1976-, n.d.
Hebrew at Bowdoin
Hillel - Alumni Panel, Spring 2007
Hillel "America's Jewish Freshmen," Report, June 2002
Hillel - Ark
Hillel - Chase Barn, Boody-Johnson House
Hillel Financials 2004-2008
Hillel Fundraisers & Promotions
Hillel Fundraising Initiatives
Hillel Fundraising - J. Sherman, Boston 2002
Hillel General Documents
Hillel Gifts 2009-2010
Hillel Gift Acknowledgements
Hillel Hamantash-Latke Debate Feb. 2009
Hillel Initiative (General)
Hillel Initiative Handouts
Invitations 1989-
Hillel National and at Other Colleges
Hillel National/International Materials
Hillel Prospective Students
Hillel Soref Advancement Initiative Award
Hillel Soref Advancement Initiative Grant Application
Hillel Soref Advancement Initiative PowerPoint Presentation March 2006
Hillel Support Sign-Up Sheets
Hillel Supporters 2002-2004
Hillel Yad, December 2003
Jewish Recipes for High Holidays
Jewish Studies Documents
Jewish Studies SC&A Resources
Leah and Samuel Osher Hillel Fund 1 of 2
Leah and Samuel Osher Hillel Fund 2 of 2
Leeman, Daniel
Lowy, Frank
Maslin, Rabbi Simeon, High Holidays Sermons 2003, 2006
Maslin, Rabbi Simeon, High Holidays Sermons 2007-2008
Maslin, Rabbi Simeon, High Holidays Sermons 2009-2012
Maslin, Rabbi Simeon, Writings & Publications
National Hillel Cohort Group 2008
Passover Seders 2001-2008
Passover 2011
Posters
Press - "College Finalizes Plan for 30 College St.", The Bowdoin Orient, April 6, 2007
Press - "Jewish Students Gather for Shabbat," The Bowdoin Orient, December 1, 1967
Press - "Let All Those Who Are Hungry," Horizons, Fall 2003
Press - Seder Dinner, The Orient, April 6, 2007
Press - "Tazria, The Planting of Seeds", Horizons, Spring 2005
Programs 1989- , n.d.
Rabbinical Intern 2007
Retreats, 1989, 1991, n.d.
Siddur for Mincha & Havdalah, Dedication of Bowdoin's Second Torah, Sept. 6, 2014
Soref Advancement Initiative Materials
Soref Cohort Training Manual, Franklin and Marshall College, Oct. 27-28 2008
Soref Cohort Training Misc. Documents, Oct. 2008
Soref Conference 2006
Stewardship Letters 2003-2012
Torah Dedication April 2005 - 1 of 4
Torah Dedication April 2005 - 2 of 4
Torah Dedication April 2005 - 3 of 4
Torah Dedication April 2005 - 4 of 4
Torah Dedication Photos April 2005
Typescript of four high holiday sermons delivered by Rabbi Maslin, Sept. 2002
Typescript of four high holiday sermons delivered by Rabbi Maslin, Sept. 2003
Typescript of four high holiday sermons delivered by Rabbi Maslin, Sept. 2004
Typescript of four high holiday sermons delivered by Rabbi Maslin, Oct. 2005
Typescript of four high holiday sermons delivered by Rabbi Maslin, Sept.-Oct 2006
Typescript of four high holiday sermons delivered by Rabbi Maslin, Sept. 2007
Typescript of four high holiday sermons delivered by Rabbi Maslin, Sept.-Oct. 2008
Typescript of four high holiday sermons delivered by Rabbi Maslin, Sept. 2009
Typescript of four high holiday sermons delivered by Rabbi Maslin, Sept. 2010
Typescript of four high holiday sermons delivered by Rabbi Maslin, Sept.-Oct. 2011
Typscript of four high holidays sermons by Rabbi Maslin, Sept 2012
Typscript of four high holidays sermons by Rabbi Maslin, Sept. 2013
Typscript of four high holidays sermons by Rabbi Maslin, Sept.-Oct. 2014
Typscript of four high holidays sermons by Rabbi Maslin, Sept 2015
Typscript of sermon by Rabbi Maslin, Elkins Park, PA March 2011
God's To-Do List
The Szyk Haggadah
A Passover Haggadah for Bowdoin College Hillel
The Bowdoin Haggadah
On Wings of Awe
Biblical Images of the Feminine - Dr. Susan Shaw
Gold plate
Small Torah (1)
Small Torah (2)
Plastic Ziploc bag with several things inside
Small wooden Rabbi figurine
Torahs (2), access restricted
The Bowdoin Outing Club (BOC) was organized in 1948. The club promotes outdoor activities, an appreciation of nature and the environment, and the development of leadership skills. Membership is open to the Bowdoin community, with members entitled to take classes, go on trips, and borrow BOC equipment. Classes range from leadership training to fly fishing, while trips range from hiking and cross country skiing to white water kayaking. Outdoor pre-orientation trips for incoming Bowdoin students have also been coordinated by the Bowdoin Outing Club. The series contains flyers announcing meetings and trips, newsletters, posters, and schedules of activities.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Flyers announcing meetings, trips, and other events, 1966-1986, n.d.
Miscellaneous printed material, n.d.
Newsletters, 1991, 2002, 2004
Posters, 1986-, n.d.
Schedules of activities, 1987, 1988
The Bowdoin Women's Association began as a small unofficial organization when women were first admitted to Bowdoin in the early 1970's, and was formally founded during the 1974-1975 academic year, the first year of full coeducation at Bowdoin. The association promotes awareness and education about gender issues through speeches, seminars, workshops, performance artists and other activities. The series contains flyers and posters announcing events, handbooks and newsletters, meeting materials, and miscellaneous printed material. See Other Student Publications for Womyn's Words, a publication funded by the Bowdoin Women's Association.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Agendas and meeting materials, 2000-2002, n.d.
Flyers announcing activities, 1976-1980
Flyers announcing activities, 1981-1992
Flyers announcing activities, 2001-2002
Flyers announcing activities, n.d.
Handbooks and newsletters, 1978, 1988, n.d.
Miscellaneous printed material, 1974, 1991, n.d.
Miscellaneous printed material, 2000-2002, n.d.
Organizational information, 2001-2002
Posters, 1978-1990, n.d.
T-shirt - ten years of women at Bowdoin, 1970-1980
Chartered in 1947, the Student Union Committee was organized to promote educational and entertaining activities for the student body. In the late 1990's the Student Union Committee became the Campus Activities Board, also referred to as the A-Board. As the name indicates, the function of the organization remains the planning and promotion of activities that contribute to the educational and social life of the College community. The series contains flyers, posters, meeting minutes, and other printed material.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Charter, revised constitution, and related documents, 1947-1949, 1975, n.d.
Flyers, programs, and tickets for sponsored activities, 1963-1969
Flyers for sponsored activities, 1970-1979
Flyers and programs for sponsored activities, 1980-1990
Flyers for sponsored activities, n.d.
Meeting minutes, 1965 Dec, 1978-1982
Miscellaneous printed material, 1979-1981, n.d.
Posters, 1979-1988, n.d.
The Y.M.C.A. branch at Bowdoin College developed from the College's Praying Circle Society, which voted to become a branch of the Young Men's Christian Association, (Y.M.C.A.) in 1882. The Bowdoin Y.M.C.A. received printed material from the national Y.M.C.A., and students attended conferences with Y.M.C.A. students at other colleges. In addition to holding student prayer meetings and meetings addressed by a faculty member or visiting clergyman, the Bowdoin Y.M.C.A. promoted service. Activities included textbook aid to needy Bowdoin students, leadership in Brunswick boys' gymnastic clubs, and financial assistance to missionaries in India and Labrador. In the late 1920's the Bowdoin Y.M.C.A. became the Bowdoin Christian Association. The series contains a constitution, correspondence, invitations, programs, records, reports, and other printed material.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Bible study attendance cards, course announcements and other materials, 1908-1916, n.d.
Constitution, Membership, and Minutes, 1882-1893
Correspondence, 1906-1915, n.d.
Employment Bureau notices and printed material, 1910-1913
Enrollment cards, invitations, and miscellaneous printed material 1903-1914, n.d.
Image - students attending Maine Students' Conference posing on the steps of the Walker Art Museum, n.d.
Lecture announcements, prayer meeting topics, and mission study information, 1882-1914, n.d.
Northfield Seminary - student conferences and summer schools, 1906-1915, n.d.
Printed material - Bowdoin related, 1906-1915, n.d.
Printed material - national Y.M.C.A. and Y.M.C.A. at other colleges, 1905-1914, n.d.
Programs, 1908-1915, n.d.
Records of the Bowdoin Y.M.C.A., 1899-1908
Reports, 1909-1915
The Cleaveland Natural History Society of Bowdoin College was founded in June 1859 by students interested in the study of Natural History. Named in honor of Professor Parker Cleaveland, the society met in the room containing the cabinet with his collections, and members presented dissertations on botany, geology, mineralogy, and other subjects of natural history. When the society was formed, it acquired collections belonging to the Peucinian and Athenaean Societies. Honorary members as well as donations to the collections were welcomed. The series contains a constitution, correspondence, dissertations, receipts, reports, and other records.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Constitution and By Laws of the Cleaveland Natural History Society, 1859
Correspondence, 1859, n.d.
Dissertations, n.d.
History, n.d.
Letters acknowledging membership invitation, 1859, 1860
Receipts, 1859-1861, n.d.
Records of the Cleaveland Natural History Society, 1859-1861
Reports, 1859, 1861, n.d.
The Phi Alpha Society was the scientific society associated with the Athenaean Literary Society, just as the Caluvian Society was the scientific society associated with the Peucinian Literary Society. Members of the Phi Alpha Society collected a miscellaneous assortment of biological and other specimens as well as a few pictures. Honorary members as well as contributions to the specimen cabinet were sought. No society records have been found after 1848. The series contains correspondence, invitations and responses, reports of the cabinet-keeper and treasurer, and other printed material.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Correspondence, 1841-1842, 1848
Invitations and responses, 1833-1847
Lists of officers and members, 1833-1847
Receipts and invoices, 1838-1846
Reports - miscellaneous, 1838-1847, n.d.
Reports of the Cabinet-Keeper, 1833-1847
Reports of the Treasurer, 1833-1847
Seals - miscellaneous
Treasury books (3), 1837-1840, 1840-1841, 1841-1847
The Independents organization of Bowdoin College was formed in 1947. According to the Independents' constitution, "the purpose of this organization shall be to provide representation in student activities for students who have no other channel for representation." Participation "shall be open to all Bowdoin students who are not members of fraternities, who are members of fraternities not present on the Bowdoin campus, and who are inactive members of Bowdoin fraternities." The series includes a constitution with revisions, meeting agendas and minutes, correspondence, invitations, and other printed material.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Agenda for general meetings, 1947-1955, n.d.
Constitution and by-laws including amendments and revisions, 1947-1959,
Constitution and by-laws including amendments and revisions (library copy), 1948-1959
Correspondence, 1949-1952, n.d.
Invitations, 1949-1956, n.d.
Letters from Independents to freshmen, 1961, n.d.
Lists of members and officers, 1948-1949, 1952, 1962
Minutes of meetings: 1947 Nov 12 - 1948 May 19
Minutes of meetings: 1948 Sep 28 - 1952 Spring
Minutes of meetings: 1953 Oct 7 - 1964 May 17
Minutes of meetings: 1955 Sep 28 - 1956 Nov 9
Minutes of meetings: 1957 Feb 20 - 1957 May 4
Miscellaneous printed material, 1948-1949, n.d.
Petition, 1954 Mar
The names Bowdoin Christian Association and Y.M.C.A. were used interchangeably for a number of years; the association formally became the Bowdoin Christian Association in the late 1920's. The Bowdoin Christian Association carried on many of the activities of the Y.M.C.A., inviting clergy to campus, conducting bible study, and leading discussion groups on various aspects of Christianity. From 1954 to 1962 the organization was known as the Bowdoin Interfaith Forum, and from the 1970's, as the Bowdoin Christian Fellowship. Despite the name changes, the aim of the organization remains the formation of a close-knit community of Christians and those interested in learning more about Christianity through music, bible study, prayer and fellowship. The series contains correspondence, flyers, newspaper clippings, programs, and other printed material.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Budgets and miscellaneous financial material, 1946-1953, 1962-1967, n.d.
Constitution, n.d.
Correspondence, 1953-1954, 1962-1970
Flyers and press releases, 1963-1992, n.d.
Minutes, policy, and proposal, 1948-1963, n.d.
Miscellaneous printed material - Bowdoin related, 1962-1965, 1981, 1992, n.d.
Miscellaneous printed material - (non-Bowdoin), 1965-1967, n.d.
Newspaper clippings, 1954, 1963
Programs including forums, 1939, 1951-1954, 1963-1964, n.d.
Student Christian Movement in New England material, 1954, 1962-1967
In 1954 the Bowdoin Christian Association became known as the Bowdoin Interfaith Forum with the aim of attracting more Catholics and non-Christian students, thereby increasing membership. With its new name, the Bowdoin Interfaith Forum continued activities such as inviting clergy to speak at chapel service and conducting religious discussion through religious forums. Unsuccessful in engaging broader student involvement, the Bowdoin Interfaith Forum resumed the name Bowdoin Christian Association in 1962. The series contains information on the constitution and budget, correspondence, newspaper clippings, programs and other printed material.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Budgets and financial material, 1954-1962
Constitution, including revision, and statement of purpose, 1955, 1958, 1961
Correspondence, 1954-1961, n.d.
Miscellaneous printed material, 1957-1962, n.d.
Newspaper clippings, 1954
Programs, including religious forums, 1955-1962
Student Christian Movement in New England printed material, 1954-1958, n.d.
WBOR (91.1 FM) is a non-commercial, community radio station chartered to the President and Trustees of Bowdoin College. WBOR plays music of all types, as well as featuring sports and news programming. Prior to 1951 a weekly radio program "Bowdoin-on-the-Air" was presented by Bowdoin undergraduates through the facilities of station WGAN in Portland. As the result of a gift from the Bowdoin class of 1924, a radio station was built on campus in 1951 on the second floor of Moulton Union and was called WBOA (Bowdoin-on-the-Air). In the late 1950's the campus station became FM and was called WBOR (Bowdoin-on-Radio). The series contains program guides and other printed material.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Announcements and meeting notices, 1966-1982, n.d.
Articles and clippings, 2009-
Forum: Recorded interview with President Coles, "Should Bowdoin go Co-ed", March 2, 1965
Posters, 1947, [1975, 1981]
Program advertisements, 1966-1985, n.d.
Program guides and schedules, 1966-1991, n.d.
Program guides and schedules, 2000-
Programs - "Maine Schools on the Air" broadcasts 16 and 17, 1941
Publications, 1968-1969, 2003-2005
Publications, 2006-2008
Publications, 2009-
The six volumes in this series contain records of voluntary student prayer meetings including their constitution, members and attendance, prayers, comments on lectures by attending ministers and faculty members, and statements about the moral and religious condition of the College. Based on groundwork laid a few years earlier by a small number of religiously oriented tutors and students, the Praying Society originated in 1815 and officially changed its name to the Praying Circle in 1835. Meeting in student rooms or recitation rooms, the students supported the temperance movement on campus, foreign missions, and corresponded with similar student societies on other campuses. In 1882, the Praying Circle disbanded, voting to become a branch of the Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.).
Arranged chronologically.
No restrictions.
1815-1832
1832-1847
1848-1855
1855-1867
1867-1882
Monthly Concert of Prayer, 1829-1845
The BGSA (Bowdoin Gay-Straight Alliance) received its charter from the Student Executive Board in 1980. In the last half of the 1980's the organization was known as BGLSA (Bowdoin Gay/Lesbian-Straight Alliance), in the 1990's as B-GLAD (Bisexual Gay Lesbian Alliance for Diversity), in the early 2000's as BGSA (Bisexual Gay Straight Alliance), and then back to BGSA (Bowdoin Gay/Straight Alliance) beginning 2002-2003. By 2004 the student-led group was known as the Bowdoin Queer Straight Alliance (BQSA). Despite name changes, the goals of the organization have remained the same; to provide a support group for people who wish to discuss relationships of all types and to inform the Bowdoin community of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues. The bulk of the material is from the 1980's and early 1990's. The series contains chronological files, correspondence, flyers, financial records, and miscellaneous printed material.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Announcements and flyers, 1980-1998, n.d.
Banner for B-GLAD, n.d.
Bowdoin Gay and Lesbian Alumni (BGALA) correspondence and notices, 1984-1987, n.d.
Chronological files 1983-1984
Chronological files 1984-1985
Chronological files 1986-1987
Chronological files 1988-1989
Clippings - miscellaneous, 1980-1991, n.d.
Correspondence, 1980-1991, n.d.
Financial records - miscellaneous, 1979-1989, n.d.
Financial records - statement of accounts, 1985-1989
History, 1980-1982, n.d.
Meeting notes, 1986-1991, n.d.
Miscellaneous printed material, 1980-1992, 2011, n.d.
Pamphlets, 1991, n.d.
Posters, 1983-1991, 2016- n.d.
Possibly an outgrowth of a Brunswick Film Society which scheduled films on campus in the 1960's, the Bowdoin Film Society, a student organization, sponsored films on campus in the 1970's and used box office proceeds to buy films for the permanent collection and to finance some student film work. As part of an affiliated English course, the society made annual awards to Bowdoin students recognizing achievement in technical and creative film making. In the mid 1980's the society was no longer involved with the English class and annual awards, and shortly thereafter became the Bowdoin Film and Video Society. The society's name changed again in the early 2000's to the Film/Video Society, but continues bringing a variety of movies to campus that are free and open to the public. The series contains flyers and posters announcing upcoming movies.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.
No restrictions.
Flyers announcing scheduled movies, 1963-1979
Flyers announcing scheduled movies, 1980-1985
Flyers announcing scheduled movies, 1986-1992
Flyers and articles announcing screenings, 2012-
Flyers announcing scheduled movies, n.d.
Posters announcing scheduled movies and various annual student awards nights, 1977-1991, 2009, n.d.
Poster, 2016-
Records,1968
Clippings, 1968
Printed Material, 1967
Financial Records, 1968-1970
Remembered, W.A. Hokanson to A.L. Greason, 1982-1983
Newsletter #1, 1968
Newsletter #2, 1968
Newsletter #2, Clippings
Newsletter #3, 1968
Newsletter #4, 1968