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Michigan 4-H Foundation records

 Record Group
Identifier: UA-10.7

Series Description

MICHIGAN 4-H HISTORY FILES. 1914-1997. 7.5 cu. ft.

The history files include annual reports that contain information on 4-H work, activities and events for the state of Michigan. There are four types of annual reports: state, Upper Peninsula, extension workers, and state fair (1914–1966). These reports include many photographs and other artifacts. Another report included here is the Junior Livestock Show report for the period 1965–1968 with photographs. Other records are 4-H histories (national, state, and county), plans of work (1921–1955), clippings and press releases, state fair materials (1924–1969), state service club records (1928–1974), and statistics of youth enrollment (1965–1972). There is also a folder of biographical information on A. G. Kettunen.

Folders arranged by subject and chronologically.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUBJECT FILES. 1944-1997. 1 cu. ft.

The subject files contain various documents which include awards, by-laws, committee minutes, enrollment forms and record cards, publications, reports, and various programs. Publications include brochures, calendars, and newsletters. There are records pertaining to urban programs from 1964–1968.

Folders are arranged alphabetically by subject title.

EDUCATION MATERIAL FILES. 1923-1976. 4.25 cu. ft. Education records include materials for courses, camp-related information, forms, projects, and reports. Materials for projects include those records created by Michigan 4-H for projects ranging from automotive to child care, dairy to livestock, and photography to weather. Of historical interest are the project records related to the formation of “Victory Clubs” in 1943.

There are also records related to 4-H TV shows in Michigan. These include correspondence and other records (by city), enrollment, fact sheets, membership information, and studies.

Folders are arranged by subject.

AUDIO / VISUAL MATERIALS. 1920-2001. 3.0 cu. ft. The audio / visual materials include photographs, negatives, slides (positives), film (16mm), an audio phonograph (45), video (VHS), and oversized. There are also picture keys for 1957–1959. Photographs are black white for the years 1920–1978. Photographs are arranged by subject. Subjects include Club Week, Out of State, State Service Club (1937–1963), State Show (1926–1967), and TV Show. Photographs range from individuals to groups to animals and to objects. Notable people are Dwight D. Eisenhower, John A. Hannah, Oscar Johnson, A. G. Kettunen, W. H. Krohn, Eduard C. Lindeman, C.B. Smith, and G. Mennen Williams. The State Show section includes a large number of images which include award winners, alumni recognition, displays, and talent show performances.

There are a small number of negatives for black and white images for Club Congress and Science Club. Slides (1942–1970) cover the “Calves to Grenada” program, fairs, National 4-H Camp, visiting the Camp Kett property prior to purchase, and projects. Videos cover events include the creation of Camp Kett and the Kettunen Center. Oversize materials include maps, charts, posters, photographs, and a students cropping plan. Of note are the group photographs from 1922–1924 of national meetings of 4-H in Chicago.

ANNUAL REPORTS for 1991–1997 and 2001–2003 are also part of the collection.

Dates

  • Creation: 1914 - 2003

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Historical Note

The Michigan 4-H Foundation was founded on the 50th anniversary of 4-H in 1952 by Arne G. Kettunen. It promotes youth leadership at the county and state levels and relies heavily on volunteers to work with the children in the program. In 1954, the Foundation purchased 140 acres in Tustin, Michigan and led the fundraiser to construct “Camp Kett”, the Kettunen Center. The center opened in 1961. In 1993, the Foundation partnered with Michigan State University to create the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden. In 2003, an indoor garden was added.

The Foundation is also involved with other learning opportunities for youth. These include 4-H Proud Equestrians Program, FOLKPATTERNS (Cultural Heritage Program), SPACES, and other environmental and character education programs.

Extent

16.75 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

Organized into five series: 1. Michigan 4-H History Files. 2. Administrative Subject Files. 3. Education Material Files. 4. Audio/Visual Material. 5. Annual Reports. Subject and/or Alphabetical/chronological arrangement within series

Custodial History

Records transferred by the Michigan 4-H Foundation.

Legal Status

Donor(s) have transferred any applicable copyright to Michigan State University but the collection may contain third-party materials for which copyright was not transferred. Copyright restrictions may apply. Property Rights: Michigan State University.

Title
Michigan 4-H Foundation Records
Status
4 Published And Cataloged
Author
Max Louzon
Date
October 2007
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the University Archives and Historical Collections Repository

Contact:
Conrad Hall
943 Conrad Road, Room 101
East Lansing MI 48824 US
517-355-2330