Berkeley Street School Association

The Berkeley Street School Association was formed in 1912, shortly before the Berkeley Street School (Cambridge, Massachusetts) merged with the Cambridge School for Girls. Ethel Quincy Bumstead and Bertha M. Howland organized the alumnae, and the first meeting was held on February 24, 1912. The group adopted a constitution, elected officers and an advisory board, and agreed to meet in June to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school. The purpose of the BSSA was "to promote social intercourse among its members, to promote the interests of the Berkeley Street School, and to further education." Membership consisted of alumnae, with former teachers as Honorary Associates. The group met each year in June. In 1961 the BSSA voted to disband after their 50th anniversary.

Lyman Richards Williston had founded the private girls' school in 1862, shortly before the closing of the school run by Louis and Elizabeth Agassiz. During its fifty years, the school had only four principals: Williston (1862-1870), Justin Edwards Gale (1870-1880), Margaret Rae Ingols (1880-1904), and Constance Bigelow Williston (1904-1912). The school's name changed with the principals (e.g., Miss Ingols' School), but it became known as the Berkeley Street School because of its location. Students ranged in age from eight to nineteen.