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National Peace Council (Great Britain) Collected Records, 1909-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.25 linear ft. (2.25 linear ft.)

Abstract:

The National Peace Council, established in 1905 as the National Council of Peace Societies and later also known as the National Council for the Prevention of War, brought together national groups and organizations that held a common interest in peace, disarmament, and internationalism in support of radical and constructive solutions to problems related to war and violence. Its affiliated groups included peace societies as well as religious, social, and industrial organizations. A major task in its early years was organizing the National Peace Congress.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam Records, 1966-1969 (inclusive)

Extent:

4.16 linear ft. (10 boxes)

Abstract:

The National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam was a conference of groups opposed to the United States' involvement in Vietnam. This groups in1966 and its first major undertaking at that time was to organize a mass rally on April 15, 1967, both in New York City and in San Francisco. The Mobe's chief aim was to mobilize public opinion against the Vietnamese War and against such other injustices of society as black inequality. It sought to weld a coalition of existing peace groups and to spark the formation of new action groups across the country.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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World Conference on Religion and Peace, USA Records, 1962-1989 (inclusive)

Extent:

4.25 linear ft. (4.25 linear ft.)

Abstract:

In the early 1960s religious leaders, Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath and Dana McLean Greeley (Unitarian-Universalist) independently saw the need for national confernce on religion and peace. The organized the National Inter-religious Conference on Peace held March 15-17, 1966, in Washington, D.C., which brought together clergymen and laymen from all peace oriented viewpoints to discuss the relation of religion to peace. Minister and peace activist Homer A. Jack was also involved in organizing the group in the early years. In 1975 the group changed its name to World Conference on Religion and Peace (USA) to identify more clearly with World Conference on Religion and Peace (International).

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Peace Action Center Records, 1959-1965 (inclusive)

Extent:

6.25 linear ft. (20 boxes)

Abstract:

The Peace Action Center began in 1961 as a continuation of the vigil at Fort Detrick, Md. Peace activists had sponsored a continuous vigil as early as 1959 seeking the abandonment of biological weapons and appealed for the conversion of the fort into a world health center. The Peace Action Center included cooperative living quarters for the staff of religious pacifists, mostly Quakers. PAC staff including Lawrence Scott, director, and Jack L. Bagley, Sarah Bishop, Florence Y. Carpenter, Bertha Faust, William R. Martin, Gelston McNeil, and Patricia Parkman. The PAC disbanded in the fall 1963.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Mildred Scott Olmsted Papers, 1881-1990 (inclusive) 1907-1990 (bulk)

Extent:

14 linear ft. (28 boxes)

Abstract:

Mildred Scott Olmsted, peace activist and suffragist, was born in Glenolden, Pennsylvania, in 1890. In 1922, Olmsted became Executive Secretary of the Pennsylvania Branch of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). From 1934 onward she assumed national positions with the organization. In 1946, Olmsted became National Administrative Secretary and held that position (until her retirement in 1966. She remained active as Executive Director Emerita of WILPF and also served on its International Executive Committee from 1937 until 1953. Mildred Scott married Allen S. Olmsted, II, in 1921 and the couple had one child and adopted two more. Mildred Scott Olmsted died in 1990 at the age of 99.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Murray Polner Papers, 1963-1988 (inclusive)

Extent:

4.75 linear ft. and 10 items

Abstract:

Polner was an author and editor of books and periodicals on social history, public policy, and Jewish concerns. This collection chiefly relates to his research on Vietnam veterans for his book No Victory Parades and on the question of amnesty for When Can I Come Home? The collection also include audiotapes of oral histories of American Jews who were conscientious objectors or who resisted serving in the military during World War II or the Korean War. There is additional material from Polner's research about the evacuation of Japanese Americans from the West Coast during World War II and information about the Vietnam war, conscientious objection, and constitutional rights of GIs.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Planetary Citizens Records, 1971-1986 (inclusive)

Extent:

11.5 linear ft. (11.5 linear ft.)

Abstract:

Founded in 1971, Planetary Citizen was an association of individuals who promoted the concept of mutual brotherhood and interdependence of all people, regardless of national origin.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Phoenix Defense Fund Records, 1957-1961 (inclusive) 1958-1959 (bulk)

Extent:

2 linear ft. (2 linear ft.)

Abstract:

The Phoenix Defense Fund was established through the efforts of Norman Cousins and other supporters of Barbara and Earle Reynolds. The Reynolds sailed the yacht Phoenix into a nuclear test site, Eniwetok Proving Grounds, as a protest against nuclear war. They were arrested, tried, and acquitted (1958-1960). The organization was also known as Reynolds Defense Fund.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Alliance for Conscientious Objectors Records, 1970-1974 (inclusive)

Extent:

4 linear ft. (4 linear ft.)

Abstract:

The Alliance for Conscientious Objectors (AFCO), based in Seattle (Washington), was founded in 1970 by John Long and Paul Anderson, who served as its national coordinator. It changed its name in 1972 to represent a wider scope of purpose. During this time, conscientious objectors who performed two years of alternate service, the same period as those drafted into the military served, were not entitled to Veterans Administration benefits under the GI Bill of Rights. By 1974 AFCO had reached a "plateau of achievement." It contributed its remaining funds to NISBCO and CCCO.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Dwight S. Large and Frances K. Large Collected Papers, 1969-1976 (inclusive)

Extent:

2 linear ft. (2 linear feet.)

Abstract:

Papers of a Frances K. and Dwight S. Large, who worked for legal amnesty for Vietnam War resisters.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]