Panel of American Women - Kansas City Branch Records (0885kc)
The present Panel of American Women evolved from an earlier Panel of Americans which began in Kansas City in 1957. At that time, functioning on many college campuses, the National Panel of Americans was composed of student participants from various racial, ethnic and religious groups. Mr. Sidney Lawrence, as Director of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau, was working with the student panel at the University of Kansas City.
Sidney Lawrence brought together a group of women, modeled after the student Panel of Americans, at the request of Ann Jacobson, program chairman for the Sisterhood of Temple B’nai Jehudah, Kansas City. Through the help of Esther Brown, the first adult Panel of Americans gave its initial presentation in February, 1957. From this nucleus, the Panel expanded rapidly to other cities and included some men.
In order to help meet the needs of the sudden expansion and growth, the Panel was incorporated and chartered in 1964 as a tax-exempt educational organization. In 1971, the first official National Convention f the Panel of American Women was held in Kansas City. A new Board of Trustees was elected by the membership, a set of bylaws was adopted, and five Regional Coordinators were elected to be responsible for work in their geographical areas.
This collection consists of the organizational records of the Panel of American Women. Included are Treasurers’ files, Program Committee information, correspondence, miscellaneous articles, workshop and panel information, Chapter Establishment information, historical information and other materials related to the operation of the organization. 1963-1991.
4 cubic feet, oversize.
See also the National Panel of American Women Records (0834kc).
© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri
updated:
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Kansas City
(816) 235-1543 WHMCKC@umkc.edu