Lasell Archives
History | Description | Contents | Contact
History of Lasell College
Founded in 1851, Lasell College was the oldest private two-year college for women until it received approval in 1989 to award specific four-year degrees. The college was a pioneer in physical education and introduced retailing and home economics as new fields of study for women. Lasell was the first school to introduce military education for women in 1880.
For more information about Lasell's history, we recommend Dr. Donald Winslow's book, Lasell: A History of the First College for Women. Boston: Nimrod Press, 1987. (available in the Brennan Library)
The Winslow Archives
The Archives was established in the late 1970's. Records, documents, manuscripts, and picture albums have been collected from the Lasell campus, alumnae, and neighbors. The Archives has accumulated records, ephemera, and photographs relating to women's education and lifestyles since the mid-nineteenth century.
Dr. Donald Winslow, son of Lasell's 7th president, was the first archivist.
Archives Contents
The Archive has 314.5 linear feet of records and 118.5 cubic feet of ephemera. Highlights include a collection of Elizabeth Gardner Bouguereau, who attended Lasell in the 1850's and gave her painting, Judgment of Paris to her alma mater in 1899, and some of the papers of William J. Rolfe, a Shakespearean editor who eventually became president of Emerson College.
Featured collections:
- Class banners
- Early academic and enrollment records
- Lasell student publications
- Lasell College publications (Lasell Leaves, Yearbooks)
- Photographs from 1850's to the present
- Biographical records of trustees, select staff, and alumnae
- Paintings
Donations are accepted upon the review and approval of the archivist in accordance to the collecting policy of the archives. Contact the Archives for specific information.
Contact the Archives
Barbara (Bobbie) Sproat, Archivist
Phone: 617-243-2070 or -2141
Email: bsproat@lasell.edu
Mailing address:
Winslow Archives
Brennan Library, Lasell College
80A Maple St.
Newton, MA 02466
