The Yosemite Women’s Group Collection includes materials created by the Yosemite Women’s Group from 1955 to 1989. These records depict the regular activities of the group through meeting records maintained by the secretary, in addition to announcements and invitations for special events organized by the group for the Yosemite community. A majority of the collection, from the period of 1955 to 1984, is made up of monthly meeting notes and event announcements for the many annual events put on by the group, including the December craft bazaar. Meeting records also indicate special lecturers and topics discussed by the group, event planning processes, and administrative tasks. Other materials, such as scholarship applications received by the group from 1987 to 1989; and group records related to the role of the women’s group in the annual American Field Service weekend in Yosemite National Park are also included in this collection. Materials include meeting minutes, agendas, event calendars and flyers, letters, officer folders, financial receipts, scholarship applications as well group constitutions and bylaws. Additionally, a small amount of material was collected and used for group discussion or for other events, such as newspaper clippings and brochures. Notable topics and individuals in this collection are the American Field Service weekend, an international exchange program for students, notable Yosemite historian Shirley Sargeant, and photographer and naturalist Dana Morgenson.

The Yosemite Women’s Group was founded by Marian Woessner, wife of Yosemite dentist Charles Woesnner, in 1951, shortly after their arrival in Yosemite during the winter of that year. As a recreational club for women living in and around Yosemite, group members participated in monthly meetings as well as programs such as hiking trips, luncheons, and lectures organized by officers. The group also organized a yearly activity calendar with several events open to non-members, including an annual holiday craft bazaar; and dances and outings for family and friends. Additionally, the group regularly planned fundraising events for numerous causes and programs in Yosemite, such as a scholarship program for college-bound students living in the park. Group members also hosted and entertained students for the annual American Field Service weekend. The group was most active from 1955 to 1989 when it disbanded due to low membership.

0.70 linear feet

Folder 28 in Box 2 contains sensitive information protected by the Privacy Act and is restricted.