American Friends Service Committee Archives
When Jason Oaks ‘09 created his guide in 2008 and 2009, he was not able to visit the AFSC Archives as they were undergoing renovations. In 2012, Elizabeth Douglas ’13 updated this page.
The AFSC Archives are located in Friends Center in Center City. The atmosphere is relaxed and the archivist very friendly and a wealth knowledge. Although, at first glance, the AFSC Archives are not very large, they contain a tremendous number of documents and photographs covering the entire existence of the AFSC.
During the twentieth century, the AFSC was extensively involved in Asia, especially East Asia, and they have records from all of their projects abroad.
Why Visit the AFSC Archives?
The breadth of material available at the AFSC on East Asia is enormous. There are countless letters and reports describing living conditions, the political situation, and AFSC projects spanning nearly 100 years. Additionally, there are some marvelous photographs.
The archives’ collection of material on the Friends Ambulance Unit in wartime China is extensive. Of particular interest are copies of the FAU newsletter (the FAU Chronicle) produced during WWII and up until 1951. These newsletters describe life in China through WWII and the end of the civil war.
Where to Start:- There is no complete catalogue for the AFSC archives. Along the shelves, the archival boxes are organized roughly chronologically, then by administrative division, and then alphabetically. Your best bet for understanding how it is organized is to have the archivist explain and/or look at the finding aid for the Chinese material (see below).
- The archivist, Don Davis, is extremely helpful and can provide some useful pointers for where to start looking.
If you are interested in China specifically:
- During my research at the AFSC in 2011/12, I created a survey of all material in the archives relating to China. You can use this document as a finding aid for the AFSC’s Chinese material: Survey of AFSC Archives on China (1924-1991).
- For an overview of the AFSC’s work in China you can read a Historical Survey of AFSC Efforts in China, 1917-2005.
If you are interested in Japan or Korea:
- Whilst at the AFSC in 2011/12, I created a brief survey of all material in the archives relating to Japan. You can use this document as a finding aid for the AFSC's Japanese material: Survey of AFSC Archives on Japan (1923-1988).
- The AFSC has less material on Korea than it does on China or Japan. Nevertheless, among other materials, it does have some interesting reports about AFSC delegates' multiple visits to North Korea. Whilst at the AFSC in 2011/12, I created a brief survey of all material in the archives relating to Korea. You can use this document as a finding aid for the AFSC's Korean material: Survey of AFSC Archives on Korea (1938-2000).
A decade-by-decade summary of AFSC work that has been documented and filed in Archives (as it relates to East Asia):
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1940s:
- 1941-1946: Friends Ambulance Unit
- 1947: Shanghai Center
- 1946-1949: Friends Service Unit
- 1942-1944: Japanese-American relocation assistance
- 1946-1949: Postwar reconstruction and famine relief
- 1959-1968: Refugee assistance and community development
- 1951-60s: International Seminars
- 1954-60s: International work camps
- 1952-1958: Relief and post war reconstruction in Kunsan
- 1965: Published “A New China Policy” booklet
- 1960s: Diplomats’ Seminars
- 1960s: International Work Camps
- 1972: AFSC Delegation travelled to China
- 1979: A Chinese transplant team travelled to the U.S.
- 1970s: Diplomats’ Seminars
- 1970s: Visits, information, and education in the U.S.
- 1981-82: Donated pacemakers and heart valves to Chinese hospitals
- 1986: Set up a regional office
- 1980s: Worked to reunify the country
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China:
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Hong Kong:
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China:
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China:
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China: