Toledo Humanist Society records

Collection

Identifier: MS-0607

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The records of the Toledo Humanist Society date from 1943-1991. The collection includes minutes, correspondence, an executive director's report, financial records of the organization, and newspaper articles. Also included are subject files and printed materials such as pamphlets, newsletters, periodicals, and books relating to the Humanist movement.

Dates

Creation: 1943-1991

Extent

2.76 Cubic Feet (6 archives boxes)

Creator

Toledo Humanist Society (Organization)

Scope and Contents

The Toledo Humanist Society records contain the records of this organization and its founder, Gardner Williams, for the years 1926-1990, with the bulk of the documents dating from the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s. Although the printed materials provide much information on the purposes and interests of the Society, the research value of the collection is hampered by the lack of minutes and other administrative documentation which would provide more details on the Society's organization and development.

The various publications which comprise a large part of this collection do provide an excellent encapsulation of the Society's purpose, what "Humanism" means, and the activities of the American Humanist Association. Additionally, the newspaper articles also illuminate the Society's activities and evolution.

The subject files provide details on issues with which the Society was concerned. Arranged by topic, the subject files attest to the debates within the Society and the rest of the public over issues such as religion, taxes, and separation of church and state.

Biographical / Historical

The Toledo Humanist Society, founded in 1952 by Dr. Gardner Williams, was a chapter of the American Humanist Association. Dr. Gardner Williams at the time of the Chapter's organization was chairman of the Philosophy Department at the University of Toledo. The Toledo Society met monthly for informal talks and discussions. It ceased being a chapter of the AHA by 1990.

The American Humanist Association was founded in New York City about 1927. It incorporated in 1941 with headquarters in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Later it moved its central office to San Francisco and now it is located in Washington D.C. The Humanist movement is a world-wide effort that seeks, mainly through educational means, to offer a philosophy counter to prevalent orthodox religion. Although different chapters emphasize different aspects of Humanism, the American Humanist Association argues for a reliance on scientific proof, rational understanding, and logic to explain life experiences. As such, it argues that people are responsible for their own destiny and should seek to solve the problems of the world through scientific methods, not through devotion to religion.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.