Philadelphia Area Archives

Start Over Repository Swarthmore College Peace Collection Subject Conscientious Objectors -- United States -- History -- Sources Subject War -- Moral and ethical aspects -- History -- Sources Year 1900 to 1949

Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors Records, 1948-2010 (inclusive)

Extent:: 90 linear ft. (90 linear feet.)
Abstract:: CCCO developed a nationwide network of military and draft counselors and attorneys to assist conscientious objectors. Most active during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the CCCO promoted such issues as amnesty, repatriation, and counter-recruitment.Operations were suspended in late October 2009. As of 2010, some of their counseling service has been taken over by the GI Rights Hotline.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

A.J. Muste Papers, 1920-1967 (inclusive)

Extent:: 26 linear ft. (64 boxes)
Abstract:: A.J. Muste (1885-1967), was ordained a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church, but later (1917), he became a member of the Society of Friends. During World War I, Muste's refusal to abandon his pacifist position led to his forced resignation from the Central Congregational Church in Newtonville, Massachusetts. Muste's involvement as a labor organizer began in 1919 when he led strikes in the textile mills of Lawrence, Massachusetts. He became the director of the Brookwood Labor College in Katonah, New York, remaining there until 1931. He then served as national chairman of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) from 1926 to 1929. Muste was director of the Presbyterian Labor Temple from 1937-1940. In 1940 he became executive director of the FOR, a position he held until his retirement in 1953, when he was made director emeritus. From 1948-1953, he served as secretary of the Ohio Peacemakers, a radical pacifist group. He was also a member of the Executive Committee of the War Resisters...(see more)

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America Records, 1941-1946 (inclusive)

Extent:: 3.75 linear ft. (3.75 linear ft.)
Abstract:: The Federal Council of Churches organized its Committee on the Conscientious Objector under its Department of International Justice and Goodwill in 1941. The Committee was interested in all aspects of conscientious objection, especially religious life in Civilian Public Service camps. Among the Committee's projects was the organizing of a program of visitation to CPS camps.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

Metropolitan Board for Conscientious Objectors Records, 1940-1980 (inclusive)

Extent:: 7.5 linear ft. (7.5 linear ft.)
Abstract:: The Metropolitan Board for Conscientious Objectors was a non-sectarian, free advisory service for conscientious objectors to war and military service. The MBCO was set up to provide counseling and legal aid in metropolitan New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and established by the United Pacifist Committee in 1940. The group disbanded in 1980.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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]

Norman J. Whitney Papers, 1938-1967 (inclusive)

Extent:: 7.5 linear feet (7.5 linear ft.)
Abstract:: Norman Jehiel Whitney (1891-1967) was a Quaker teacher, writer and devoted peace worker. From 1919-1957 he helped establish, and directed for many years, the Syracuse Peace Council. He left Syracuse in 1957 to work for the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) in peace education. Whitney's major peace work was in the area of counseling conscientious objectors to war (COs), particularly those in Civilian Public Service (CPS) camps. In 1941 he helped establish the New York State Board for Civilian Public Service, which attempted to counsel and assist Conscientious Objectors in New York state.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]