In 1936 a group of political science students under the guidance of Professor E. J. Woodhouse organized the Carolina Political Union. Its twofold purpose was to bring prominent political figures to speak on the University of North Carolina campus and to hold roundtable discussions on current political topics.
On 1 July 1948, the Carolina Forum was organized and took over the function of securing speakers and began inviting prominent leaders from labor, industry, and education, as well as from government. The Carolina Political Union continued to function, but its activities were limited to the weekly discussions and occasional speakers.
From the guide to the Carolina Forum of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Records, 1937-1966, (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. University Archives.)
