Records of the Philomathean Society
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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).
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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.
About this Guide
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.