ACT Heritage Library Manuscript Collection
HMSS 0121 Humanist Society of Canberra Records
Scope and content notes
| Call Number |
HMSS 0121 |
|---|---|
| Collection |
Humanist Society of Canberra Records |
| Date Range |
1964-1977 |
| Quantity |
0.18m (1 manuscript boxes) |
| Access Conditions |
open |
| Copying Conditions | unstated |
| Related Collections | - |
The Humanist Society of Canberra was formed on 26 July 1964 and was incorporated in December 1965. By 1983 the name had been changed to the ACT Humanist Society.
The objects were to encourage a rational and constructive approach to human problems, to defend freedom of expression and other civil liberties, to work towards a non-dogmatic outlook and ensure that the opinions of people with such an outlook are heard, and to encourage education and the use of science and the arts for human welfare.
Speakers addressed regular meetings and there were occasional public lectures on topical or controversial subjects. The Society also made submissions to government and other authorities on a variety of issues from law reform to nude bathing beaches and religious education in schools. The Society played a prominent part in the formation of the Council of Australian Humanist Societies, and cooperated with various religious groups in forming the ACT Conscientious Objectors’ Advisory Committee when National Service was reintroduced.
The Society published a newsletter under changing titles: Humanist Newsletter, The Canberra Humanist and Humanist Society of Canberra. Newsletter. Copies have been incorporated into the Heritage Library collection.
Box List
| Box No. | Description | Quantity | Date Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Constitution Constitutions of the unincorporated and incorporated body, 1964-1965 |
1 folder | 1964-1971 |
| 1 |
Minutes Minutes of general and annual general meetings, some annual reports and financial statements |
1 book, 1 sleeve | 22 August 1965 - 12 July 1976 |
| 1 |
Correspondence Correspondence with Council of Australian Humanist Societies |
1 folder |
1970-1973 |
| 1 |
Correspondence General correspondence, membership lists, reports, flyers, newscuttings |
2 files |
1969 – 1976 |
| 1 |
Social Issues Religion in schools
|
1 folder |
1972 – 1977 |
| 1 |
Social Issues Perpetual calendar
|
1 Folder |
1965 - 1973 |
| 1 |
Other social issues
|
||
| 1 |
Publications Kevin Bryant. Humanists, Humanism and the Humanist Society. Humanist Society of Canberra. Revised edition, October 1966
|
1 folder | 1964-1973 |