Dames Club (Indiana University, Bloomington)

The Dames Club originated in 1896 at Harvard University. As people moved on from Harvard to pursue other job interests and advanced degrees they spread the organization throughout the country. In 1921 the National Constitution for the National Association of University Dames was ratified. Indiana University joined the organization on 11 May 1931. Members and associate members primarily consisted of the wives of graduate students, faculty members' wives, and married female students.

From the guide to the Indiana University Dames Club records, 1953-1976, (Indiana University Office of University Archives and Records Management http://www.libraries.iub.edu/archives)

First founded at Harvard University in 1896, a Dames Club was established at Indiana University in 1931.

Those elgible for active membership were the wives of students and married women who were also students at IU. Associate membership was available for former active members and wives of the faculty. The stated purpose of the organization was to promote the social and intellectual interests of its members.

From the description of Indiana University Dames Club records, 1953-1976. (Indiana University). WorldCat record id: 48260111