Altrusa International of Lexington records

Administration contains papers and correspondence regarding the administration of club activities as a whole. Series have been constructed to reflect the administrative board of the club, namely, the Board of Directors, also known as the Executive Board. Subdivided by International, District and Local, referring to the corresponding administrative levels of the of the Altrusa International organization, distinct differences being that District Boards are headed by a "Governor," who oversees activities of all those local clubs within district lines. General papers lacking better classification under alternative series have also been placed here under "General." For papers and correspondence as originating from a specific committee, see the Committee series. Given the organization's specific requirements as to membership into the club, papers relating to club membership and classification are quite numerous. See both the Membership Committee and the Membership series under the Local Administration branch. The Club Manuals also provide explicit information regarding the organization of Altrusa, the creation of a local club, and the induction and responsibilities of members.

Contains papers relating to the annual conferences held at the various levels within Altrusa. International conventions are bi-annual. District conferences are annual. See the Member's Manual for a description of specific rules as to when and where a convention or conference in a given year might be held. The listing of multiple districts reflects the changing of district lines over the years.

Contains papers and correspondence from Altrusa committees. Some committees are essential, and required by Altrusa International, while others were created ad hoc or as a result of a local club project. See the Member's Manual for a list and description of committee practices and policies. Some of the Yearbooks, or the Directories, contain information regarding committee activity; these resource will also list membership of a committee for a given year. It is also likely that checking the club minutes will provide a clearer overview of a committees' activities for a year. Each committee is required to submit a yearly report and often these are included with the minutes. Club minutes are typically detailed, and while not completely contiguous, run a date range from the Club's inception in 1923 to July 1989.

Contains those club minutes as recorded by the Recording Secretary. For papers or correspondence as related to the office of the Recording Secretary, see the Administration series. Club minutes are typically detailed, offering clear overview of yearly club activities.

The Realia Series contains artifacts awarded to or used by the Altrusa club of Lexington members. Certificates awarded to the Lexington club are also filed in this series.

The Printed Materials Series contains published material meant for use by members either for local or international news and information. A number of news bulletins and serials have been collected. Districts put out both a “service bulletin” and a “newsletter.” The collection includes items that chart the progression of the Lexington Club from the Third to Fifth to Sixth Districts. The International Board follows similar practice, putting out a service bulletin as well as a monthly magazine, the International Altrusan; the collection contains an almost complete run from June 1953 to June 1976.

The Photographs Series contains photographs of Altrusa members. The majority are these were taken by a professional or newspaper photographer (typically the Lexington Herald). However, there are a few polaroid photographs that seem to have been taken by an Altrusa member.

Scrapbooks date from 1929 to 1977, and are filled with newspaper clippings about recent Altrusa activities, pasted or taped programs and cut-outs, artifacts and even copies of the club’s monthly bulletin, Chatterbox.