The Monday Lunch Club began in Boston in 1908 as the "Executive's Round Table," a forum for men who worked or wished to work in the field of social welfare. Women in the field formed their own group in 1924 (variously named The Monday Lunch Club, The Women's Club or The Women's Lunch Club) and occasionally held joint meetings with the men's Monday Lunch Club. The Monday Lunch Club worked closely with elected officials and influenced legislation related to social welfare including passage of the Desertion and Non-Support Statute of 1911, the Mother's Aid Statute of 1912 and changes in the workman's compensation law in 1912. The club also sponsored speakers at its programs including many public officials. The records include Memberships, lists, By-laws, Histories (including "The Life Story of the Monday Lunch Club" by William H. Pear), financial information, some program information and correspondence.
