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Records of the Philomathean Society

Call Number

RG.39.2

Date

1832-1888, inclusive

Creator

Philomathean Society (New York University)

Extent

2 Linear Feet in one manuscript box and one custom box

Language of Materials

Materials are primarily in English.

Abstract

The Philomathean Society was one of two literary societies founded in 1832 at the University of the City of New York (NYU). The Philomatheans were notable for organizing skillful debates, speeches and essays, and they published a number of poems and speeches over the course of nearly 60 years. The Philomathean Society disbanded in 1891.

Historical Note

The Philomathean Literary Society of the University of the City of New York (New York University) was founded in October 1832, the same month in which the first classes were held. The 12 students who founded the Society also adopted a series of resolutions that became the foundaton of its constitution in 1835. As one of two literary societies (the founding of the Eucleian Literary Society also occurred in this period) on campus, the Philomatheans were known for their "exercises in Debating, Oratory, and Composition."

Although documentary evidence about the Philomatheans is scarce, according to Chancellor Henry MacCracken and Professor Ernest G. Sihler in their historical volume Universities and their Sons: New York University (Volume 1, 1901 - available in the NYU Archives), the Philomatheans, like the Eucleians, were given a room in the University building during the 1830s. It was described as "fitted up in a style of taste and elegance highly creditable to the young gentlemen members." Indications of the importance of Philomathean rituals include the vote taken on June 7, 1833 that "members wear a badge on all occasions."

The Philomatheans apparently published some of the poems and speeches delivered at Philomathean or joint Philomathean-Eucleian meetings. Two slender volumes of The Philomathean, "A Monthly College Journal Published by the Philomathean Society," which are in the NYU Archives (for the years 1874-1875) are the only remaining evidence of magazine publishing. The Philomatheans remained in existence until 1891. University catalogues and yearbooks only refer to the Eucleians after that year.

In addition to this small collection and the MacCracken-Sihler history, the researcher should consult the attached list of Philomathean materials in the New York University Archives and New York University Archives' Finding Aid for the Records of the Eucleian Society.

Arrangement

The Records of the Philomathean Society consist of three series: official correspondence, meetings, and memorabilia. Each series is arranged in chronological order.

Scope and Contents

This small and incomplete collection of Philomathean Society records consists of minutes (1832-36, 1851-64 only), membership lists, constitutions and by-laws, resolutions, invitations and programs for meetings, and memorabilia, dating mainly from 1832 through the late 1860s. Official records are included in bound volumes of manuscript documents. There is a resolution protesting the projected closing of the University's Academic Department in 1881. An invitation to honorary membership for Martin Van Buren, dated 1841, which President Van Buren accepted, is found in Box 1, folder 5. A letter of gift dated 1940 accompanies the badges (Box 1, folder 7) and gives biographical data about their owner, George R. Howe (ex 1868).

Access Restrictions

Materials are open without restrictions.

Use Restrictions

Any rights (including copyright and related rights to publicity and privacy) held by the creator are maintained by New York University. Permission to publish or reproduce materials in this collection must be secured from New York University Archives, (212) 998-2646, university-archives@nyu.edu.

Preferred Citation

Published citations should take the following form: Identification of item, date (if known); Records of the Philomathean Society; RG 30; box number; folder number; New York University Archives, New York University Libraries.

Related Material at the New York University Archives

Records of the Eucleian Society (RG 39.1)

Poem, "The Future," by W.A. Butler, 1825-1902, 10th Anniversary of the Philomathean Society, 27, Oct. 1842 (NYU BP 116a)

The Philomathean, v. 1-2, Jan. 1874 - May 1875 (NYU Q9)

Jordan, Philip D., William Salton, Philomathean. Photostatic negative of article from Annals of Iowa, 3d series, v. 18, pp. 295-312. Includes description of 19th century literary societies (NYU Rp)

Picture of Philomathean Hall (LD7 K8)

Picture of Philomathean Room (Slide Collection Box 1, #41)

Debate, 1881, in Brainerd 1 Scrapbook, pp. 39-40, 53, 75. Clipping Collection, Brainerd.

Collection processed by

Phyllis Klein

About this Guide

This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2023-08-20 17:53:48 -0400.
Language: Description is in English

Processing Information

The bulk of the collection was rehoused by the Barbara Goldsmith Preservation and Conservation Department in March 2018. The finding aid for the collection was subsequently revised by John Zarrillo in May 2018.

Revisions to this Guide

May 2018: Finding aid revised by John Zarrillo

Edition of this Guide

This version was derived from a OCR processed text finding aid, 2003

Repository

New York University Archives
New York University Archives
Elmer Holmes Bobst Library
70 Washington Square South
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10012