Description
The collection documents the history
and work of the San Francisco Chinatown Branch of the Young Men's Christian Association. The
collection contains administrative and financial records; board and committee meeting
minutes; materials related to development and the Y's renovation and expansion; papers
collected by Y leadership; materials related to Y history, activities, and events; records
related to the men's and women's clubs (Alpha Ram Omega and Y-MS); publications;
photographic materials; and VHS tapes.
Background
The Chinatown YMCA was founded by local church leaders in a rented storefront in 1911. In
1926, the facility at 855 Sacramento Street was dedicated, and the branch joined the
international YMCA organization. The Y serves the Chinatown community through a varietyof
services, activities, and programs, including health education, fitness programs, athletic
teams, service clubs, dances, camps, technical education, and bible study. Early on, the Y
provided support and opportunities for first-generation Chinese Americans, and later, it did
the same for new immigrants in the community. Membership is multi-generational, but the
focus on youth programs has always been central to the Y's mission. In order to better serve
its community, the Chinatown Branch opened its expanded facility in 2010. For more on the
branch's history please consult materials in Series 7. Chinatown YMCA History.
Extent
26.3 linear feet
(18 cartons, 1 box, 3 oversize boxes)
Restrictions
Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17,
U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of
University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and
publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials
protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of
the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited
without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with
the user. For additional information about the University of California, Berkeley Library's
permissions policy please see: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/about/permissions-policies
Availability
Collection is partially open for research. Digital materials are in process and currently
unavailable.