Guide to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Pittsburgh Branch Records, 1940-1966, 1974 AIS.1964.38

Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Pittsburgh Branch Records
Creator
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Pittsburgh Branch
Collection Number
AIS.1964.38
Extent
32.5 Linear Feet (61 boxes)
Date
1940-1974
Abstract
The Records of the NAACP Pittsburgh Branch consist of an extensive collection of correspondence, minutes, local headquarters activities, chapter records, membership campaigns, bills and receipts, reports, pamphlets and other miscellaneous information.
Language
English .
Author
Jennifer Walters. Revisions occurred to the finding aid as a part of the encoding process in Summer and Fall 2001.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Business Number: 412-648-3232 (Thomas) | 412-648-8190 (Hillman)
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections

History

The NAACP, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is the oldest, largest and strongest civil rights organization in the United States. The NAACP was created in 1909 with the merging of the Niagara Movement, a group of young African-Americans led by W.E.B. Du Bois, and a group of concerned white citizens. The principal objective of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of the United States.

The Records of the Pittsburgh Branch of the NAACP were maintained from the early 1940's while the Honorable Homer S. Brown served as President. The records of the organization document various forms of racism in Pittsburgh as well as cases emerging across the nation. The Pittsburgh Branch participated in fund raising to provide for legal defense in civil rights cases. A recurring problem in the Pittsburgh area was the discrimination at public swimming pools. The NAACP kept files about the Highland Park Swimming Pool,and both the Kennywood and West View Park pools. The Branch eventually formed the NAACP Active Swimming Pool Committee to protect the right of every citizen to have admission without fear of segregation to public swimming pools in Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Branch was active in addressing the concerns of its members by petitioning for anti-discrimination laws, federal aid for education, desegregation, housing discrimination programs, and fair employment practices in order to ensure the basic rights of minorities. Voter registration and membership campaigns are important components of the NAACP's work. By gathering a base of voters committed to Civil Rights the organization supported their candidates into elected positions.

Scope and Content Notes

The Records of the NAACP, Pittsburgh Branch, consist of correspondence, reports of chapter to national headquarters; minutes of Executive Board meetings, reports of chapter's activities, chapter programs on: segregation in labor and industry, employment, education, housing, and public accommodations; membership campaigns, cards, and record books; financial statements, paid bills, and receipt books. The records also include public relations information, and miscellaneous pamphlets.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Acquisition Information

Gift of the NAACP, Pittsburgh Branch, September 1, 1964, September 19, 1968, 1974.

Preferred Citation

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Pittsburgh Branch Records, 1940-1974, AIS.1964.38, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System

Previous Citations

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Pittsburgh Branch Records, 1964-1966, 1974, AIS.1964.38, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Pittsburgh Branch Records, 1964-1966, 1974, AIS.1964.38, Archives Services Center, University of Pittsburgh

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Jennifer Walters in October 12, 1995.

Copyright

Permission for publication is given on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Subjects

    Corporate Names

    • National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Pittsburgh Branch

    Other Subjects

    • African Americans -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh -- Societies and clubs
    • Associations
    • Social action
    • African Americans -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh -- Social conditions -- to 1964.
    • African Americans -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh -- Segregation.

Container List