American Red Cross world war photographs collection

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: SSC-MS-00591

Staff Only

American Red Cross world war photographs collection

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Scope and Contents

This collection consists of 13 photographs related to the work of Red Cross nurses and other volunteers during the world wars. The majority, 10, are images of WWI, and two are of WWII.

Dates of Materials

Creation: 1918 - 1945

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for use without restriction beyond the standard terms and conditions of Smith College Special Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

Materials in this collection may be governed by copyright. For reproductions of materials that are governed by fair use as defined under U. S. Copyright Law, no permission to cite or publish is required. Researchers are responsible for determining who may hold materials' copyrights and obtaining approval from them. Researchers do not need anything further from Smith College Special Collections to move forward with their use.

Biographical / Historical

The Red Cross was founded in Washington, DC, by Clara Barton in 1881, following the Civil War, and provides services to members of the American armed forces and their families, as well as providing disaster relief in the United States and around the world.

With the outbreak of WWI the organization experienced dramatic growth. The public contributed $400 million in funds and material to support Red Cross programs, including those for American and Allied forces and civilian refugees. The Red Cross staffed hospitals and ambulance companies and recruited 20,000 registered nurses to serve the military. After the war, the Red Cross focused on service to veterans and enhanced other programs.

During Second World War the organization was called upon to provide extensive services once again to the U.S. military, Allies, and civilian war victims. They enrolled more than 104,000 nurses for military service, prepared 27 million packages for American and Allied prisoners of war, and shipped over 300,000 tons of supplies overseas. At the military’s request, the Red Cross also initiated a national blood program that collected 13.3 million pints of blood for use by the armed forces.

Extent

0.208 linear feet (1 container)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Red Cross was founded in Washington, DC, by Clara Barton in 1881, following the Civil War, and provides services to members of the American armed forces and their families. This collection consists of 13 photographs related to the work of Red Cross nurses and other volunteers during the two world wars.