Eugene E. Barnett papers, 1905-1970
Collection context
- Creator:
- Barnett, Eugene E.
- Abstract:
- Eugene E. Barnett served as General Secretary of the Young Men's Christian Associaion (YMCA), and as the secretary of numerous committees and divisions within the YMCA in both the United States and China.
- Extent:
- 47.5 linear feet 112 boxes
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
Correspondence, reports, speeches, and notes dealing with Barnett's years in pre-Communist China and in Japan, his activities as a lay leader in the Methodist Church, his many functions in the International and United States YMCA, his affiliations with several United Nations and other organizations, and his personal friends and family.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Eugene E. Barnett (1888-1970) began his work with the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) by serving as a Secretary for the University of North Carolina Student YMCA from 1908-1910, where he was enrolled as a graduate student.
In 1910, the YMCA sent Barnett to China, where he was to remain until 1937. In China, he organized the YMCA in Hangchow, and served as its General Secretary until 1921. In 1925, became the Senior Secretary for the International Committee of the YMCA in China. He served concurrently as Associate General Secretary of the China National Committee and was also a member of the National Christian Council.
In 1937, the YMCA recalled Barnett to the United States, and he became the Executive Secretary of the International Board of the YMCA. In this role, he managed the World Services Program, and was instrumental in helping the YMCA to elimiate a substantial amount of accumulated debt.
In 1941, Barnett became the General Secretary of the National Council of YMCAs. He would serve in this position until his retirement in 1953.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The following boxes are located off-site: Boxes 2-113. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
-
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Eugene E. Barnett papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu