American Association of University Women (AAUW), Holland Branch. Records, 1938-2019.

The Holland Branch of AAUW was organized in September 1938 by twenty-three women interested in focusing on local issues. Mrs. James Warner was elected president, and the organization quickly grew. By 1949, seventy women belonged and Hope College was approved for alumnae to become members. The club hosted the state convention in 1947. A scholarship fund was established in 1950, and the first used book sale to raise money for the fund was held in 1951. The book sale continues to be an important community project. AAUW also has been active in promoting the RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) program in the community since 1973. The members meet monthly and study political, women’s rights, and educational issues, as well as other topics of interest. Gerald R. Ford was the speaker at the November 1949 meeting. From 1969 until the disbandment of the organization, the women of AAUW were avid supporters of advancing literacy culture amidst the community. They provided scholarships and other funds to local organizations such as the Herrick Public Library and Hope College. In 2019, the group disbanded because of declining membership. At its peak, the group had nearly 140 members in the mid-1960s.