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Episcopal Peace Fellowship Records, 1936-2009 (inclusive) 1936-2009 (bulk)

Extent:

28 linear ft. (28 linear ft.)

Abstract:

The Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF), was founded November 1939 as an association of pacifist members of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The organization sought to discover and unite pacifists within the church and to influence its membership regarding Christianity and peace. The EPF has sponsored educational projects (publications, lectures, workshops, conferences), provided counseling and financial support for conscientious objectors, and contributed to pacifist projects in other countries.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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War Resisters League Records, 1923-2013 (inclusive)

Extent:

35.4 linear ft. (series a = 37 boxes and 15.22 linear feet; series b = 49 boxes and 20.22 linear feet)

Abstract:

The War Resisters League is a pacifist organization whose members are against all war. Witnessing the establishment of the War Resisters' International in Europe in 1921, and sensing a need for a similar organization in the United States, Dr. Jessie Wallace Hughan established the War Resisters League as an independent organization. The War Resisters League membership pledge, which has remained essentially unchanged since its inception, reads: "The War Resisters League affirms that war is a crime against humanity. We therefore are determined not to support any kind of war, international or civil, and to strive non-violently for the removal of all causes of war." The League seeks to end war and social injustice through pacifist and nonviolent tactics.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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David McReynolds Papers, 1943- (inclusive)

Extent:

30.5 linear ft. (30.5 linear ft.)

Abstract:

David McReynolds (1929-2018), was an activist with the War Resisters League, the Socialist Party USA and the Democratic Socialists of America. He was an editor of Liberation magazine in the 1950s and a leader of the WRL from the 1950s until his retirement in 1999. McReynolds ran for Congress twice and for President of the U.S. twice, including a run in 2000. McReynolds has attempted to integrate anti-war and pacifist philosophy with Socialist economics. David McReynolds was openly gay and had written about this topic as well.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Women's Peace Union: U.S. Branch Records, 1921-1940 (inclusive)

Extent:

11.25 linear ft. (11.25 linear ft.)

Abstract:

The Women's Peace Union was founded in August 1921 to encourage the formation of a peace group to encompass all the women of the western hemisphere, to work for complete disarmament and the abolition of all constitutional and legal sanctions for war. Records in the Swarthmore College Peace Collection are those of the United States branch.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Women's Committee to Oppose Conscription Records, 1942-1948 (inclusive)

Extent:

7.25 linear ft. (7.25 linear ft.)

Abstract:

This group was originally named the Committee to Oppose the Conscription of Women [WCOC], and then the National Committee to Oppose the Conscription of Women. It was formed in 1942 to protest the Austin-Wadsworth legislative bills and similar measures, which proposed that American women be drated into a civilian workforce for the duration of World War II. When the immediate threat of drafting women had passed, the group changed its name again, this time to the Women's Committee to Oppose Conscription, reflecting its stand against any conscription. Mildred Scott Olmsted served as Director, A.J. Muste as Treasurer, and Grace Rhoads as secretary. The Committee was headed by Katherine Pierce and Frances Chalmers of New York City.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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New York Bureau of Legal Advice Records, 1917-1919 (inclusive)

Extent:

5.42 linear ft. (5.42 linear ft.)

Abstract:

Holdings in Tamiment Library: about half the records of the New York Bureau of Legal Advice consist of case histories pertaining to selective service exemption, draft evasion, conscientious objector status, military imprisonment, military discharge, desertion, amnesty, civil liberties and deportations. One third of the collection consists of office files, administrative reports and correspondence, including extensive fundraising correspondence. The remainder of the collection is made up of press releases and newspaper clippings. Correspondents include Mary Beard, Sarah N. Cleghorn, Bina Flynn, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, Agnes Smedley, Louis Untermeyer, Thorsten Veblen, H.L. Mencken, Sinclair Lewis, Judah L. Magnes, and Stephen Wise.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]