Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City Records (0551kc)

The Burroughs Nature Club was started by an enterprising book agent -- a woman representative of Houghton Mifflin Co. She promoted the organization of Nature clubs, took orders for sets of books by John Burroughs, and canvassed schools seeking subscriptions and memberships. The climax of her efforts in Kansas City was a highly advertised lecture on John Burroughs, given in the lecture room of the public library on April 15, 1919. Lula Van Nemen, biology teacher at Westport High School, was elected the first president. The early meetings had evening lectures on nature, astronomy, or other natural science topics. After several years, membership dwindled. The club became affiliated with the National Audubon Society, following the reorganization of the Missouri State Audubon Society. More attention was given to field work and first hand observations, in addition to lectures. The group became a chapter of the National Audubon Society in 1971, changing its name to the Burroughs Audubon Society.

The collection includes correspondence, clippings pamphlets, rosters, scrapbooks, field trip records, glass lantern slides, photographs, by-laws, and programs. ca. 1919-1990.

16 cubic feet

© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri

updated: Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Kansas City
(816) 235-1543 WHMCKC@umkc.edu