International Institute (Boston, Mass.)

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One of fifty such organizations throughout the United States, the International Institute of Boston was part of a national movement within the YWCA to serve the urban immigrant community. The Boston International Institute had its inception in 1923, and opened in 1924. It was described as a "Service Bureau for Foreign-Speaking People". Through case, group, and community work the staff sought to provide information, education, personal service, and assembly to its clients.

The Beacon, the monthly newsletter, was begun in 1933, and also several annual social events. In addition, separation, community, and nationalities studies were done. During this time also, the Institute severed its ties with the YWCA in 1935, and became autonomous.

It subsequently became a member of the Boston Council of Social Agencies, the Greater Boston Community Fund, and the National Institute for Immigrant Welfare (the umbrella organization for independent International Institutes--later the American Federation of International Institutes). In 1959 merged with the American Council for Nationalities Service.

During the late 1940s, the Institute struggled to maintain its services, and provided aid to war victims and recreational facilities to enlisted men. In the 1950s, a new executive secretary, Pauline Gardescu, assumed responsibility for the Institute. The Institute continued its work with both immigrant and international communities in Boston.

From the guide to the International Institute of Boston Records, 1924-1955, (University of Minnesota Libraries. Immigration History Research Center [ihrc])

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Arlington Street Church (Boston, Mass.). Records, 1927-1980. Andover-Harvard Theological Library
creatorOf International Institute of Boston. Records, 1924-1955. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
referencedIn Mosher, Alfrieda Marian, 1873-1966. Papers, 1905-1966 (inclusive). Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America‏
creatorOf International Institute of Boston Records, 1924-1955 University of Minnesota Libraries. Immigration History Research Center [ihrc]
referencedIn Sheldon Glueck papers Harvard Law School Library Langdell Hall Cambridge, MA 02138
creatorOf American Council for Nationalities Service. Correspondence with Eugene Ormandy, 1966-1971. University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Van Pelt Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith American Council for Nationalities Service. corporateBody
associatedWith Arlington Street Church (Boston, Mass.) corporateBody
associatedWith Boston Council of Social Agencies. corporateBody
associatedWith Boston Council of Social Agencies. corporateBody
associatedWith Boston Hospitality Committee for Japanese Resettlement. corporateBody
associatedWith Boston Hospitality Committee for Japanese Resettlement. corporateBody
associatedWith Boston Soldier and Sailors Recreation Committee. corporateBody
associatedWith Boston Soldier and Sailors Recreation Committee. corporateBody
associatedWith Glueck, Sheldon, 1896- person
associatedWith Mosher, Alfrieda Marian, 1873-1966. person
associatedWith U.S. NewBerry Club. corporateBody
associatedWith U.S. NewBerry Club. corporateBody
associatedWith Young Women's Christian Association (Boston, Mass.) corporateBody
associatedWith Young Women's Christian Association (Boston, Mass.) corporateBody
Place Name Admin Code Country
Massachusetts--Boston
Subject
Charities
Charities
Children of immigrants
Children of immigrants
Japanese Americans
Social settlements
Social settlements
Social case work
Social work with immigrants
Social work with immigrants
Occupation
Activity

Corporate Body

Active 1966

Active 1971

Active 1924

Active 1955

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