News Summary

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Library has digitized the archives of the local Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, preserving invaluable local history. Funded by a grant from the Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board, the collection spans from 1882 to 1995 and includes charters, bylaws, correspondence, and photographs. Directed by UTC archivists, this initiative enhances accessibility for researchers and the public, shedding light on the WCTU’s role in promoting social reform and women’s rights in Chattanooga.

Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) Library’s Special Collections has completed a significant project to digitize the archives of the local Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), funded by a grant from the Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board. This new digital collection, now accessible to researchers and the public worldwide, preserves an invaluable part of local history.

The collection consists of documents dating from 1882 to 1995, totaling 53 archival records and over 175 individual images. Included in the collection are charters, bylaws, correspondence, financial records, and photographs, many of which have been transcribed and are fully text-searchable, enhancing their accessibility for users.

The digitization project was made possible through a grant administered by the Tennessee State Library and Archives, funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. The project was directed by UTC Manuscripts Archivist Molly Copeland, who also served as the principal investigator. She was supported by Carolyn Runyon, the Assistant Head of Collection Services and Director of Special Collections, as co-principal investigator.

Significance of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union

The WCTU was founded nationally in 1874, emerging as a major women’s organization during the 19th century. The local chapter in Chattanooga was established in 1882 following a speaking tour by the national president, Frances Willard. One of the chapter’s key contributions was the opening of a boarding house in 1887 for self-supporting, unmarried women, which provided low-cost housing in a supervised Christian environment. This boarding house later became known as the Frances Willard Home and operated for almost 50 years at 615 Lindsay Street near the university.

The digitized records offer unique insights into the local chapter’s activities and their social reform efforts, significantly contributing to the understanding of women’s rights, prohibition, and social welfare in the context of Chattanooga’s history.

Project Development and Outreach Efforts

The work on the digitization project commenced in late 2024, with the hiring of UTC student De’sha Wilkins, who dedicated six months to scanning, transcribing, and describing the documents. Many early handwritten materials were carefully transcribed to improve access to the information. Although some materials were too fragile to digitize, they remain available through the Special Collections’ published finding aid, ensuring that key documents continue to be accessible to the public.

Upon the completion of this project, UTC Special Collections has expanded its digital offerings to include 60 collections, promoting the accessibility of primary sources that tell the story of Chattanooga’s rich history. The initiative is designed to democratize access to these resources, thereby preserving and providing insight into shared history.

Cultural and Civic Contributions

Special Collections’ mission is to preserve and ensure access to the historical narratives that shape Chattanooga’s cultural and civic identity. Each new collection adds to the larger historical narrative, supporting student education and career paths in library and information science and archival work. Outreach efforts accompanying the project included public presentations, social media engagement, and contributions to the Tennessee Archivist newsletter, aimed at highlighting the historical significance of the WCTU and its contributions.

The newly digitized WCTU records not only capture the essence of a pivotal women’s organization but also signify a milestone in preservation efforts that enhance the understanding of local history and social movements. This collection promises to be a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the transformative influence of the WCTU in Chattanooga.

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Additional Resources

• Chattanooga Pulse: Historic Women’s Organization Highlighted in New UTC Special
• Wikipedia: Woman’s Christian Temperance Union
• Chattanooga Pulse: Newly Digitized WCTU Records Now Available to the Public
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Christian Temperance Union
• Chattanooga Pulse: UTC Special Collections Acquires Archives of WCTU

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.