Bureau of Missions records, 1898 -- 1914

Creator:
Bureau of Missions (New York, N.Y.)
Abstract:
The Bureau of Missions was an umbrella organization for all missionary organizations, designed to collect and curate information related to missionaries and missionary work around the world. The cllection contains correspondence and organizational records.
Extent:
1.25 linear feet 1.25 linear feet; 3 boxes
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection contains correspondence and organizational records related to the Bureau of Missions. Correspondence primarily includes letters of Edwin Bliss and his successor Dr. Henry Otis Dwight, as they write to missionaries and missionary organizations around the world to garner interest in the newly formed organization, sell Bureau-produced materials, and acquire information and documents for the museum and library. There are also a few letters from Bureau President Alexander Maitland. Organizational records include extensive bylaws, meeting minutes, publications, newspaper articles, and charters.

Biographical / historical:

The Bureau of Missions was established in 1902 in New York City , a result of the Ecumenical Conference on Foreign Missions in 1900. The Bureau of Missions was "primarily organized to care for and develop the Missionary Exhibit and Library gathered at that time," however "it's scope...enlarged to include a Bureau of Missionary Information, and its aim is to be a 'clearing house' of missions.'" There were originally three departments within the Bureau of Missions: the general and information office, the museum – located with the American Museum of Natural History – and the library, located within the museum. Alexander Maitland was elected President of the Bureau of Missions at its founding, and Dr. Edwin Bliss was elected Secretary. In 1904, the position of Secretary was filled by Dr. Henry Otis Dwight, who continued prolific letter writing, particularly through 1905. The Bureau of Missions was active throughout the first decade of the 20th century. The charter was revoked by the State of New York in 1914. It is unknown why this occurred.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

The following boxes are located offsite: Box 1-3. Please note that requests for use of boxes held in offsite storage must be made three business days in advance.

Terms of access:

Some material in this collection may be protected by copyright and other rights. Information concerning copyright, fair use, and reproduction requests can be consulted at Columbia's Copyright Advisory Office.

Preferred citation:

Item description, MRL 12 : Bureau of Missions Records, box #, folder #, The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.

Location of this collection:
Burke Home Page
Before you visit:
Researchers must book an appointment at least 5 business days in advance to view special collections material in the reading room. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to one item per hour of appointment time.
Contact:
burke@library.columbia.edu