Manuscript and Records Related to "100 Years of the International Federation for Home Economics"

Collection

Identifier: MS0391

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of records contributed by Nancy B. Leidenfrost from her years of professional volunteer leadership to the International Federation for Home Economics. She served in various capacities from 1984 to 2004 during the administration of six International Federation for Home Economics Presidents: Lilha Lee (2004-2008), Gertraud Pichler (2000-2004), Nancy Granovsky (1996-2000), Maria Thiele-Wittig (1992-1996), Margaret Dalloway (1988-1992), Margaret Fitch (1984-1988).

Records include documents outlining the organization’s focus and work, including reports from major congresses and conferences, such as those on the International Year of the Family and the Commission on the Status of Women.

The majority of the records consist of documents and references compiled during Leidenfrost’s work as Chair of the International Federation for Home Economics History Committee’s commemoration of the one-hundred year anniversary of the organization, celebrated in 2008. Publications produced by the committee for the anniversary include: the video, “100 Years of the International Federation for Home Economics 1908-2008”; “Reflections of Past International Federation for Home Economics Presidents.” Members of the History Committee were Nancy B. Leidenfrost, Chair (United States); Margaret Arcus (Canada); Shirley Baugher (United States); Beverly Card (United States); Leena Kirjavainen (Finland); Bussiswe Nkosi (South Africa); Valentina Okaru (Nigeria); Genevieve A. Schroeder (United States); and Maria Thiele-Wittig (Germany). As part of its work on these publications, the committee compiled records and references from various countries on the history of the organization. Among these documents are interviews and correspondence from past leadership, official publications, international conference and congress reports, country and regional reports, committee work, photographs, and audio and video records. The collection also includes documents compiled during Leidenfrost’s service on other committees, such as the International Federation for Home Economics Development Fund.

Dates

Creation: 1975-2009

Conditions Governing Access

Contact Special Collections for access.

Organizational History

The International Federation for Home Economics is the only worldwide organization concerned with home economics and consumer studies. It was founded in 1908 to serve as a platform for international exchange within the field of home economics. IFHE is an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO), having consultative status with the United Nations (ECOSOC, FAO, UNESCO, UNICEF) and with the Council of Europe.

Biographical / Historical

Founded in 1908, the International Federation for Home Economics is an organization working for the study, growth, and application of the discipline of home economics. As defined by the organization, the field of home economics is an academic discipline, a policy arena, and way of life to be followed within the home. Professional members of the organization work to improve the lives of families, households, and communities by “developing human growth potential and [meeting] human necessities or basic needs.” Both independently and as an international United Nations Non-Governmental Organization, the International Federation for Home Economics works on various issues, such as raising living standards, women’s issues, the family, and the role of home economics in economic development. The organization also provides information and professional support to institutions and individuals working in the home economics field.

Total Size of Collection

17 records_box

21.25 Linear Feet (17 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Content Description

The Manuscript and Records Related to 100 Years of the International Federation for Home Economics include manuscript materials and reference sources for the anniversary book 100 Years of the International Federation for Home Economics, script text for the DVD version of book, photographs of members, International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) History Committee annual reports, other documents associated with the work of the History Committee, IFHE bulletins, files of IFHE Congresses and Councils, and IFHE countries and regions history reports. Additional materials include video tape interviews from some of the IFHE Presidents and Secretaries General, written reports and statements, and photographs for the DVD titled Reflections of Past IFHE Presidents. Records of selected United Nations World Women's Conferences and 2000 Focuses, the 1988 Washington Connection Conference, the 1998 American Regional Conference, the IFHE Development Fund, IFHE Councils, IFHE Women and Families in Development Committee are included (collection donor Nancy B. Leidenfrost participated in these events or committees).