Portrait Directories collection

The first portrait directory of students (1914 September, for the Class of 1918) was created to support fundraising after the College Hall Fire. The cover reads: "Published to promote the academic and social establishment of the incoming students, in the community of the faculty and upper classmen. Sold for the benefit of the Wellesley College Fire Fund." Photographs were voluntarily submitted by incoming members of the freshman class, and edited and published by the class two years ahead (incoming juniors, the freshmans' "Sister Class"). Beginning in the 1970s, it is less clearly produced by the "Sister Class," as students from other years are listed as contributing to the directory as well, and in some instances no creation information or introductory statement is given. Names of students who did not submit photographs are often listed at the end of the directory. Directories include either full home addresses or home city and state for each student. Some directories were funded by advertisements from local businesses which were featured under the portraits. Most also include lists of student names from organizations such as the College Government, Wellesley College News, the Barnswallows, House President's Council, and more, as a reference for the freshman. Starting with the Portrait Directory of the Class of 1974, directories also list other students entering in the fall, such as students transferring to Wellesley, "student guests," Slater Fellows, exchange students from the Twelve College Exchange Program, and Continuing Education students (later Davis Scholars). Directories for the Classes of 1980-1988 include portraits of the Wellesley College faculty for the year as well. The last student portrait directory was published in 1994 for the Class of 1998. The portrait directories of faculty and administration (1956, 1961, 1966, with intermittent supplements) were a separate venture. The 1956 and 1966 editions do not have information regarding their creators, but the 1961 edition was created by Frederic N. Firestone, Assistant Professor of Economics, and Jean Glasscock, Director of Publicity.