RG4 Institutional Advancement

Historical Note

The Division of Institutional Advancement encompasses the organizational units which are responsible for the production of educational materials, the development of a supportive alumni community, outreach to the public and fundraising for the College. Previously known as “External Affairs,” it currently consists of four departments: Publications and Media, Alumni Relations, Development, and Communications.

The activities of the division have evolved over the last ninety years. One of the original activities of the Bureau of Educational Experiments was the publication of information bulletins. Under the direction of Jean Lee Hunt, the bulletins were published by the Department of Studies and Publications. In 1937, the department separated and the Division of Publications was formed. Materials for children as well as for parents and educators were published by the College. Formed in 1984, the Media Group combined the work of the Division of Publications with new ventures such as software. It is currently known as the Publications and Media Group.

During the tenure of President John Niemeyer, an increased focus was placed on external affairs at the College. Alumni associations were formed in New York and California in order to maintain the bond between the College and the growing alumni population, to encourage interaction between alumni of different classes and to allow for an organized way of giving to the College. However, the first official national alumni association was not formed until 1993.

The first director of development, Carol Truax, was hired by Niemeyer at the beginning of his presidency. This ensured that the College administration would play an active role in fundraising. While the College has long had an office of public information, the College’s public relations activities became a major priority during the presidency of Joseph Shenker.

Scope and Content Note

Record Group 4 consists of four subgroups: Publications and Media; Alumni; Development; and Communications. The records cover the time period from 1918-2006. The bulk of the records are from 1950-2000. Note that papers written by Bank Street faculty, but not published by the College, can be found in RG 10, Faculty and Staff Papers.

Descriptions

To search and read detailed descriptions of the series and lists of folder titles within each series, click the following link to access the guide for the entire record group.

Complete Guide to Record Group 4 – Institutional Advancement (pdf)

The record group consists of the following subgroups and series.

SUBGROUP 1
Publications and Media

Scope and Content Note

Since 1921, Bank Street has published materials to improve the quality of life for children and families. In 1950, publication of the Little Golden Books began. The Bank Street Readers, published in 1965, set a new standard as the first multi-racial, urban-oriented readers. By 1982, Bank Street broadened its scope of publications to include the Bank Street Writer, the first word-processing software package designed especially for children. Bank Street has also participated in the production of television programming for children on PBS.

The subgroup, Publications and Media, contains materials produced by the Publications and Media Division. These include: published books, newsletters, learning kits, software and audiovisual materials. Also included in this subgroup are the administrative records for the organizational divisions responsible for publication and production. There are six series within this subgroup: BSC Text Publications; BSC Learning Kits; BSC Software; Newsletters; Audiovisual Materials; and Administrative Records. Note that books published by Bank Street can be found in the Library.

SERIES A – Bank Street College Text Publications (1918 {1960-1999} 2006)

SERIES B – Bank Street College Learning Kits (1967 {1990-1993})

SERIES C – Bank Street College Software (1983-1988, 1994-1996)

SERIES D – Newsletters (1934 {1960-1999} 2006)

SERIES E – Audiovisual Materials

SERIES F – Administrative Records (1937 – {1995} 1999)

SUBGROUP 2
Alumni Relations

SERIES A – Alumni Association (1932 {1990-1998})

SERIES B – Alumni Events (1962 {1990-2005})

SUBGROUP 3
Development

SERIES A – Correspondence (1956 {1970-1975} 1979)

SERIES B – Reports (1951-2004)

SERIES C – Proposals ({1963-1970} 1997)

SERIES D – Events (1941 {1953-2000} 2005)

SERIES E – Capital Campaigns (1953-1998)

SUBGROUP 4
Communications

Scope and Content Note

Subgroup 4 contains the records of the Communications Office and its predecessors, the Office of Public Information and the Office of Public Relations. It is arranged in five series: Correspondence and Reports, Press Clippings, Pamphlets and Brochures, Photo Archives, and Audiovisual Materials. The records cover the period from 1920 to 2005.

SERIES A – Correspondence and Reports (1958-2002)

SERIES B – Press Clippings (1921 {1988-2005})

SERIES C – Pamphlets and Brochures (1930-2000)

SERIES D – Photo Archives (1920 {1960-2000})

SERIES E – Audiovisual Materials

Controlled Access Headings