5. Photographs, 1950-2005

The collection documents the founding and history of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) in Charleston, South Carolina as well as the administrative and operational functions of Charleston's YWCA for over a century. Includes by-laws and constitutions; financial documents such as purchase agreements and insurance documents; meeting minutes, agendas, and board correspondence; social event materials such as invitations; and memorabilia such as photographs, scrapbooks, programs, and newspaper clippings. Materials prior to 1969 chiefly relate to the Central YWCA's Coming Street branch, which served the African American communities in Charleston and the lowcounty. Post-1969 materials document the operations of the newly formed, integrated YWCA of Greater Charleston, Inc., the charter of which followed the disaffiliation of the white George Street branch. Of note are the 1972 copies of legal proceedings documenting the lawsuit between the National YWCA and the YWCA of Charleston, South Carolina, for infringement of trademarks and breach of contract after the Charleston branch disaffiliated itself from the national organization in 1969.