Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri, Records, 1948- (C3934)
1.3 linear feet
INTRODUCTION
Records of the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri (known before 1972 as the Speech Association of Missouri), a professional organization of speech and theatre educators that promotes education and public awareness of speech and theatre issues in Missouri. The records consist of correspondence, minutes, publications, membership and financial records, constitutions, annual meeting files, photographs, slides, awards, and miscellaneous records. See also Collection # 2961, Speech Association of Missouri, Papers, 1942-1964.
DONOR INFORMATION
The records of the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri were donated to the University of Missouri by the association through various officers on 17 June 1983 (Accession No. 4514), 2 September 1983 (Accession No. 4524), 13 March 1991 (Accession No. 5030), and 20 November 1991 (Accession No. 5116). The Western Historical Manuscript Collection serves as the official archives of the association and will continue to receive its records.
ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY
The Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri, originally known as the Speech Association of Missouri, was established by state high school teachers in November 1932 to promote high academic standards in speech education throughout Missouri.
Initially the association promoted competency in speech education through annual debate competitions for state high school students. These were often centered on controversial issues. In 1948, for example, the debate concerned "admitting Negroes to state colleges and universities in Missouri." The association continues to organize annual debates as well as other activities, including speech and drama workshops, annual meetings and banquets, and dramatic performances.
In its early years, the association numbered less than 50 members; by 1982 it included more than 4,000 members. In 1970 it began publishing the Missouri Journal of Speech, now known as the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri Journal.
A brief history of the association was published in 1982 by its official historian, Donna Ross. It is entitled Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri, 1932-1982.
SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE
The records of the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri document the association's efforts to enhance speech and theatre education in Missouri's high schools, to promote a greater public awareness of speech and theatre education throughout the state, and to maintain its role as the principal professional organization of high school-level speech educators in Missouri. The records are arranged chronologically within twelve series, with subseries as noted.
SERIES LIST
The Constitution series includes the original 1948 version of the association's constitution and versions incorporating amendments adopted in 1960 and 1970. It also contains various papers pertaining to constitutional revisions.
The Board of Governors series includes board agendas and minutes of meetings, notes written by various board members in preparation for meetings, and undated material pertaining to board meetings.
The Correspondence series contains correspondence between STAM presidents and the board of governors, between STAM and its members, and with other organizations. The series covers the years from 1972 on but includes some correspondence from the 1960s.
The Publications series is divided into five subseries: a pamphlet published by the association recounting its history from 1932 to 1982; copies of the Missouri Speech Journal and, as it is now known, Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri Journal; copies of the association's newsletters; annual Speech Festival programs; and miscellaneous brochures.
The Meetings series contains records pertaining to the association's annual meetings. It includes convention programs, convention announcement letters, convention schedules, registration forms, and committee reports.
The Membership series contains annual general membership lists, officer lists, and a membership address list.
The Finances series includes treasury reports; budget proposals; statements of income, expenses, and assets, and financial reports to the board of governors. The series covers the years 1973 on but there are major gaps.
The Photographs and Slides series contains black-and-white and color photographs and negatives, and color slides as well as memos, lists, and letters that help identify the subjects of the photographs. The series includes images of convention attendants and activities, the 1984 Outstanding Teacher Award ceremony, and dramatic performances.
The Committees series contains reports, planning documents, proposals, and membership lists pertaining to various permanent and ad-hoc committees. Most of the material is undated.
The Questionnaire series contains completed and returned questionnaires sent by STAM to state high schools in 1989 concerning membership participation and experiences.
The Information Clearinghouse series includes STAM informational brochures and educational materials for STAM members.
The Miscellaneous series contains an undated document that appears to be a plan for a speech conference and various award proposals and nomination forms.
FOLDER LIST
Board minutes and agendas
| f. B1 | 1961-1965 |
| f. B2 | 1971-1976 |
| f. B3 | 1977-1980 |
| f. B4 | 1981-1983 |
| f. B5 | 1984-1988 |
| f. B6 | 1989-1991, n.d. |
| f. C1 | 1960s |
| f. C2 | 1972-1973 |
| f. C3 | 1974 |
| f. C4 | 1975 |
| f. C5 | 1976-1978 |
| f. C6 | 1979-1982 |
| f. C7 | 1983 |
| f. C8 | 1987-1988 |
| f. C9 | 1989 |
| f. C10 | 1990-1991 |
| f. D1 | Organization History: Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri, 1932-1982
|
| f. D2 | 1971, 1976-1981 |
| f. D3 | 1982-1988, and 1991 |
| f. D4 | 1961-1963 |
| f. D5 | 1970 |
| f. D6 | 1972-1974 |
| f. D7 | 1975-1976 |
| f. D8 | 1977-1981 |
| f. D9 | 1982-1986 |
| f. D10 | 1987-1990 |
| f. D11 | 1972-1978 |
| f. D12 | 1978-1983 |
| f. D13 | 1984-1991 |
| f. E1 | 1961-1975 |
| f. E2 | 1978-1980 |
| f. E3 | 1981-1984 |
| f. E4 | 1985-1987 |
| f. E5 | 1988 |
| f. E6 | 1989-1991, n.d. |
| f. F1 | 1971-1975 |
| f. F2 | 1976-1983 |
| f. F3 | 1985-1987 |
| f. F4 | 1988-1989 |
| f. F5 | 1989-1991, n.d. |
Photographs of meetings and members
Miscellaneous slides
STAM slide show and 1984 Outstanding Teacher Award
| f. L1 | Conference proposal, n.d. |
| f. L2 | Awards, n.d. |
INDEX TERMS
These index terms are the subjects, people, places, etc. under which this collection is listed in all available indexes at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Columbia. If you are interested in a specific index term, please contact the reference staff.
- Ashcroft, John (1942- )
- Educational associations--Missouri
- Missouri Speech & Theatre Journal
- Missouri Speech Journal
- Speech--Study and teaching
- Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri Journal
- Theater--Missouri