Society of Pragmatic Mysticism records, approximately 1938-2001

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Summary

Creators:
Society of Pragmatic Mysticism
Abstract:
Consists of 7 boxes of material relating to the Society of Pragmatic Mysticism and its founder, Mildred Mann, and documenting their beliefs and activities from the 1930s to the early 2000s. Included are 53 audiocassettes and 1 CD containing lectures, discussions, and meditations.
Extent:
7.79 linear feet (6 cartons, 1 flat oversize box, 53 audiocassettes, 1 CD)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], Society of Pragmatic Mysticism records, ARC Mss 93. Department of Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.

Background

Scope and content:

Records of the Society of Pragmatic Mysticism from the 1930s-2000s, including publications authored by Mildred Mann, pamphlets, pledge cards and subscription notes, booklets, prayer books, library materials of works written by other authors on spirituality, Mildred Mann's notes and lectures, lesson plans, newsletters, memoranda, board minutes, financial reports, and church bulletins relating to the teachings of Emmet Fox, Mildred Mann, and to the Society of Pragmatic Mysticism and similar New Thought movements. The collection contains a significant amount of content by the philosopher Sri Aurobindo. This collection also includes runes, the organization's shop sign, a photograph of Mildred Mann, LP records containing a lecture by Mildred Mann, 53 audio cassettes of lectures and discussions, and 1 CD containing music and chants.

Biographical / historical:

The Society of Pragmatic Mysticism was formed in New York City by Mildred Mann (1904-1971), a teacher of metaphysics within the New Thought movement. Originally a student of Emmet Fox, Mann went on to write several books, correspondence courses, pamphlets, and tracts, which formed the core of the society's teachings. The society was initially run from a facility in Midtown Manhattan which featured space for meetings and lectures, a library, a bookstore, and offices. After her death, Mann was succeeded in leadership by the establishment of a directorship of the society, initially filled by Leonebel Connaway. The headquarters of the society were then moved to a Midtown apartment. Under the guidance of its board of trustees, the society continued to publish and promote Mann's teachings, primarily by mail, for many years. In 1980 the society was reestablished in Pawlet, Vermont, and in 1995 it reported 30,000 members worldwide, with the majority residing in Nigeria.

Acquisition information:
Library purchase, 2019.
Arrangement:

The records are arranged in four series, Series 2 has been further arranged into subseries. The items in Series 1 are arranged by book series and volume number. The series and subseries are arranged as follows: Series 1. Publications, Series 2. Library, Subseries. Artifacts, Series 3. Organizational Records, Series 4. Audiovisual Materials.

Physical location:
Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Research Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Research Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Department of Special Research Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], Society of Pragmatic Mysticism records, ARC Mss 93. Department of Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.

Location of this collection:
UC Santa Barbara Library
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9010, US
Contact:
(805) 893-3062
special@library.ucsb.edu
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