Records of the Connecticut Froebel Normal School Alumnae

Bridgeport History Center, Bridgeport Public Library

Summary Information

Repository:
Bridgeport History Center, Bridgeport Public Library
Creator:
Connecticut Froebel Normal School Alumnae Association
Title:
Records of the Connecticut Froebel Normal School Alumnae
ID:
BHC-MSS 0208
Date [inclusive]:
1905-1981
Physical Description:
1 Linear Feet
Language of the Material:
English .
Abstract:
The Records of the Connecticut Froebel Normal School Alumnae were created by the graduates of the school, which was created in order to instruct women and guide them in being kindergarten and early childhood educators. The collection contains minutes and financial information that charts much of the group's history, along with a subject file that shows their activities and interests.

Preferred Citation

Records of the Connecticut Froebel Normal School Alumnae Association (BHC-MSS 0208), Bridgeport History Center, Bridgeport Public Library.

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Biographical / Historical

The Records of the Connecticut Froebel Normal School Alumnae were created by the graduates of the school, which was created in order to instruct women and guide them in being kindergarten and early childhood educators. It was based off of the early childhood theories of and named for Frederich Froebel, a pioneer in early childhood education and creator of the western notion of kindergarten.

The school itself began as a private kindergarten founded by Mary Mills in 1898 in Bridgeport. Mills herself was trained at the Froebel Normal Institute in New York. Her school in Bridgeport was located in St. George's Chapel, moving to 179 West Avenue in 1900. The building was one of the first schools in Bridgeport with steam heat and gas lighting.

Graduates learned on the job. Although they were considered graduates of the New York Froebel Normal School as an affiliate until the Bridgeport based school was able to gain a separate corporate identity. Graduates cycled out of the program until 1930, when low enrollment caused the school to shutter.

Alumnae were active in keeping in touch with each other and supporting Connecticut education, as seen by donations in their records and scholarships they helped administer at the University of Bridgeport. The alumnae association eventually closed down in 1981 due to dwindling membership – many graduates had passed on.

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Scope and Contents

Material contains minutes and financial information that follows the group for much of its existence. The subject files include a history of the group, a yearbook, and some subject files.

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Arrangement

Series I, executive functions, contains the constitution as well as minutes and financial information from executive positions. Series II contains financial information, and series III contains subject files that reflect the activities and interests of the group.

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Administrative Information

Publication Statement

Bridgeport History Center, Bridgeport Public Library

Bridgeport History CenterBridgeport Public Library925 Broad StreetBridgeport, CT 06604Business Number: 203-576-7400 (Extension: #7)URL: https://bportlibrary.org/hc/

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Controlled Access Headings

  • Education
  • Early childhood education
  • Kindergarten
  • Private schools
  • Mills, Mary
  • Connecticut Froebel Normal School

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Collection Inventory

Series I, Executive functions

Title/DescriptionInstances
Constitutions, undated
Box 1 folder 1
Secretary book, minutes, 1948-1981
Box 1 folder 2
Treasurer's book, 1948-1981
Box 1 folder 3

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Series II, Finances

Title/DescriptionInstances
Tax records, 1967
Box 1 folder 4
Checkbook, 1961-1975
Box 1 folder 5
Receipts, 1953-1981
Box 1 folder 6
Bank statements, 1970-1981
Box 2 folder 1

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Series III, Subject files

Title/DescriptionInstances
Association for childhood education, 1952-1954
Box 2 folder 2
Cookbook, 5 best breads, 1951
Box 2 folder 3
Gifts to University of Bridgeport, Hall Neighborhood House, others, 1954-1980
Box 2 folder 4
History of the Connecticut Froebel Normal School, 1946
Box 2 folder 5
Membership lists, 1965
Box 2 folder 6
Newsletter, 1949-1981
Box 2 folder 7
Scholarship at University of Bridgeport, 1950-1981
Box 2 folder 8
Scrapbook, 1905-1906, 1940-1980
Box 2 folder 9
Yearbook, 1928
Box 2 folder 10

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