The University of Iowa Libraries

Access: The papers are open for research.

Use: Copyright held by the donor has been transferred to The University of Iowa.

Acquisition: The records (donor no. 540) were donated by Nancy Pfeiffer Towner in 2000.

Preferred Citation: National League of American Pen Women, Iowa City Branch records, Iowa Women's Archives, The University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City.

Repository:	Iowa Women's Archives
Address:	100 Main Library University of Iowa Libraries Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone:	319-335-5068
Curator:	Kären Mason
Email:	lib-women@uiowa.edu
Website:	http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/iwa

The National League of American Pen Women was formed in Washington, D.C. in 1897, because the National Press Club would not admit women writers. The Iowa City branch was organized in 1963 and chartered in February of 1964. Edith Pierce was the catalyst. When women who had traveled many miles to attend Des Moines branch meetings were notified, five members switched to the Iowa City branch. Together with four local women, the total was nine members.

The early years saw meetings held in homes. Many writers garnered awards. In 1965 Margaret Walker Alexander, a black graduate student, spoke to the group.

Over the years, poetry workshops and speakers comprised the programs, and a luncheon was included. New members were invited if they met the requirements of professionalism prescribed by the organization. Writers had to have been paid for published works and artists had to have sold works and to have been asked to show in juried shows. Composers were also eligible for membership.

The Iowa City branch awards prize monies to students. Members compete at a state convention every other year forsmall prize monies.

The National League of American Pen Women, Iowa City branch records date from 1963 to 1993 and measure 2.5 linear inches. The records consist of administrative records, programs, photographs, and files regarding individual members.

Iowa Press Women records (IWA): Contains information on the National League of American Pen Women, Des Moines branch.

National League of American Pen Women, Quad Cities branch records (IWA).

National League of American Pen Women, Waterloo-Cedar Rapids records (IWA).

Constance Frick Irwin papers (IWA): Irwin was a member of the organization.

Lois Muehl papers (IWA): Muehl was a member of the organization.

Mary Rouse papers (IWA): Rouse was a member of the organization.

This collection is indexed under the following subject terms.

Corporate Names:
National League of American Pen Women, Iowa City Branch

Dates:
20th century

Topics:
Women and the arts
Professional associations
Awards
Contests
Women and literature

Occupations:
Authors
Artists
Composers

Geographic Names:
United States -- Iowa -- Iowa City

Genre/Form of Materials:
Administrative records
Archives
Photographs

Browse:
Women's Clubs and Organizations