The American Association of University Women was founded in 1921 through the merger of the Association of Collegiate Alumnae and the Southern Association of College Women. Its basic goal was to further women's education and career opportunities. In 1930, six AAUW branches joined with several general members of the Association and two college clubs to establish the Massachusetts State Division (MSD) of the AAUW. By 1976 there were 23 branches in the MSD. The stated purposes of the Division are "to further the aims, policies, and programs of the Association, to foster the development and maintenance of high standards of education, to strengthen the fellowship among university women in order that their influence may be felt throughout the Commonwealth in the solution of social and civic problems, to secure broader opportunities for women, to organize new Branches of the Association, and to promote, encourage, and coordinate the work of the Branches throughout the Commonwealth." Activities have included legislative lobbying for bills concerning education, and fund-raising for fellowships.
From the guide to the Records, 1930-1976, (Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute)
