Needlework Guild of America,
Norristown Branch records
1894-1961, 2 linear feet, 7.5 linear inches
Finding aid prepared by Celia Caust-Ellenbogen and Michael
Gubicza through the Historical Society of Pennsylvania's Hidden
Collections Initiative for Pennsylvania Small Archival Repositories
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit
March 15, 2013
Updated by Nancy Sullivan
March 14, 2019
Historical Society of Montgomery County
1654 Dekalb Street
Norristown, PA, 19401
(610) 272-0297
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Table of Contents
Summary Information..................................................................................................................... 3
Biographical/Historical Note.......................................................................................................... 4
Scope and Content Note..................................................................................................................4
Administrative Information ............................................................................................................4
Related Materials ........................................................................................................................... 5
Controlled Access Headings............................................................................................................5
Collection Inventory………………………………………………………………………………6
Summary Information
Repository: Historical Society of Montgomery County
Creator: Needlework Guild of America. Norristown Branch (Pa.).
Title: Needlework Guild of America, Norristown Branch records
Date [inclusive]: 1894-1961
Extent: 2 linear feet, 7.5 linear inches
General Physical Description note: 4 document boxes and 1 custom box
Location Note: Lower:4L:7, and Lower:4L:28
Language: English
Abstract: The Needlework Guild of America, a charitable organization that collects and distributes articles of clothing to the needy, was founded in Philadelphia in 1885. The Norristown branch began in 1894 and disbanded in 1961. The Needlework Guild of America, Norristown Branch records, 1894-1961, include administrative and financial records spanning the life of the branch.
Biographical/Historical Note
The Needlework Guild of America is a charitable organization that collects and distributes articles of clothing to the needy. It was founded in Philadelphia in 1885, and later incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1896. "Since that time, NGA has helped many needy neighbors. [NGA has] also helped those in need during the Spanish-American War, the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, World War I and II, Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Floyd, and Hurricane Katrina. Today [the] organization is affiliated with over 170 non-profit charities across the United States and distributes over 240,000 items each year. NGA has 33 Branches in ten different states, as well as National Headquarters located in Warminster, Pennsylvania. In July of 2011, [its] official name was changed to NGA ~ Needlework Guild of America."
The Norristown branch of the NGA was formed in 1894 and disbanded in 1961.
Bibliography:
NGA. "About Us."
Accessed February 24, 2012. http://www.nga-inc.org/index_files/Page362.htm
Scope and Content Note
The Norristown Needlework Guild records contain administrative and financial records of the
organization, as well as some newspaper clippings. The administrative records include minute books, 1894-1961, with clippings and annual reports glued in; as well as garment reports, 1958-1961. The collection also includes printed annual reports and branch reports. The financial records include: treasurer's book, 1898-1929; treasurer's reports, circa 1930s; account book, 1928-1960; financial records, 1940s; cash books, bank statements, receipts, and returned checks.
Arrangement
The collection is divided into four series:
- Administrative papers
- National records
- Financial records
- Newspaper clippings
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Historical Society of Montgomery County
Conditions Governing Access Note
Contact Historical Society of Montgomery County for information about accessing this collection.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
Gift of Mrs. Michael Ciccarone (Norristown, PA.), November 14, 1960 (#10878).
Related Materials
Brooklyn Historical Society: Needlework Guild of America Records, 1923-1967, Collection 1991.042.
Conshohocken Historical Society: Needlework Guild of America, Conshohocken Branch records,
1918-2001.
Controlled Access Headings
Corporate Name(s)
• Needlework Guild of America. Norristown Branch (Pa.).
• Needlework Guild of America.
Geographic Name(s)
• Montgomery County (Pa.)
• Norristown (Pa.)
Subject(s)
• Charities
• Clothing and dress
• Sewing
• Women--Societies and clubs
Collection Inventory
Series A. Administrative Papers
Extent: 21 linear inches (including two minutes books in flat box)
Dates: 1894 – 1961
Scope and Content Note: This series consists of administrative records of the Norristown branch of the Needlework Guild of America. They include garment reports, lists of officers, and annual reports. There are also two minute books with many reports and other papers pasted to or taped into the pages.
Location: Lower:4L:7 and Lower:4R:28
Series B. National records
Extent: 3 linear inches
Dates: 1919 – 1979
Scope and Content Note: This series contains papers issued by the national organization of the Needlework Guild of America. It includes proceedings of annual meetings, by-laws, and press releases.
Location: Lower:4L:7
Series C. Financial records
Extent: 5 linear inches
Dates: 1894 – 1961
Scope and Content Note: This series consists of bank statements, treasurer's reports, and two account books.
Location: Lower:4L:7
Series D. Newspapers
Extent: .5 linear inches
Dates: c. 1936 – 1955
Scope and Content Note: This series primarily consists of newspaper clippings that have been photocopied. There are also some typed documents about the group.
Location: Lower:4L:7