Psychomath Club records
Scope and Contents
The records of the Waltham Psychomath club include meeting minutes and copies of promotional booklets distributed by the club at regular meetings. The minutes are arranged by date. These programs contain lecture/meeting schedules, lists of courses offered by the club, and the names of club members and their roles in the group. The series also contains copies of recent publications related to the club's founding and relationship with other New England-based groups, including their relationship with the Green Acre movement/organization and other notable spiritual figures like Swami Saradananda.
Dates
- 1896 - 1914
- Majority of material found within 1896 - 1904
Biographical / Historical
In the Victorian era, few women could pursue a college education. Specialized clubs provided women a safe and welcoming space to pursue their particular interests. The Psychomath club was among the first of these early continuing education programs. The club was founded in 1896 by a group of Waltham residents, primarily women. The name "Psychomath" derives from two Greek words meaning "soul-knowledge." Comparative religion, philosophy, and spirituality were the group's primary focus. Group meetings were held twice monthly at members' homes. Many guest lecturers were invited to present to the group, including Swami Saradananda, secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission, a Hindu religious and philanthropic organization based in India.
Extent
.2 Cubic Feet (1 half-manuscript box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
These records give a historical overview of the Waltham Psychomath club’s activities from 1896-1904.
- Title
- Guide to the Records of the Psychomath Club of Waltham
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Margaret Eckstein
- Date
- June 17, 2022
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Edition statement
- This finding aid replaces the original, written by Melissa Mannon and Janice Zwicker. Original finding aid can be found in WPL-001, the records of the Waltham Public Library.
Repository Details
Part of the Waltham Room Archives, Waltham Public Library Repository