Lecture and Event Files of the Office of the Secretary

Series

Identifier: CPP 1/010

Scope and Contents

The Lecture and Event Files of the Office of the Secretary span the years 1875 to 1988; however, there are gaps in represented years. This collection consists mainly of memos, correspondence, flyers related to lectures and other special events held at and sponsored by the College. A few files may overlap with Series VI: Programs and Events of CPP 11/01: Records of the Communication and Development Departments.

Dates

1875-1988

Creator

College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Office of the Secretary (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

The office of the Secretary of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia was created during the organization of the College in 1787. The Secretary is the appointed officer of record. His original duties were to record the minutes and transactions of the College and preserve its documents and correspondence. In 1834, the Secretary was also empowered to keep lists of the fellows and provide them with certificates of membership. In 1863, the responsibility for notifying officers and committee members of election or appointaent devolved upon the Secretary. An annual report on the fellowship became part of the Secretary's responsibilities in 1870. At this time, a related office, the Recorder, was created to keep the minutes of all scientific sessions. The office of Recorder was abolished in 1914, and a salaried position, the Clerk, was created under the Secretary; the Secretary devoted himself to matters of fellowship while the Clerk preserved the minutes and papers of the College. The position of Clerk was abolished in 1925, and his duties were returned to the Secretary. In 1990, the Secretary was empowered to perform "all the duties appropriate to his or her post as the elected recording officer of the College and assure the duties and powers of the President in the absence or temporary incapacity of both the President and President-Elect".

In 2010, the Office of Operations was organized to oversee hospitality, front of house and receptionist, visitor services, hall and grounds, renovations, security, and the parking lot. Previously, at least as far back as 1991, the management of facilities and special events fell under the responsibilities of the Office of Institutional Advancement (as of 2015, merged with Office of Development and External Affairs and Office of Communications into the Office of Advancement).

As of 2018, the Office of the Secretary is still active; however, these records are now documented through the Executive Office; and the Office of Operations still manages lectures and events.