Skip to main content

Cranbrook P.M. Records

 Collection
Identifier: 1999-12

Collection Scope

The bulk of the collection reflects the programs offered by Cranbrook P.M. Other materials include correspondence, Advisory Committee materials, catalog and photography guidelines, staff contracts, etc.

Dates

  • 1975 - 1994
  • Majority of material found within 1991 - 1993

Creator

Access

Access to the collection is unrestricted.

Use

Permission to use collection materials must be requested in writing.

History

Cranbrook P.M., a program of continuing education and outreach, was started by the Cranbrook School Mother’s Council in 1973 as a fund-raising effort. The concept was patterned after Henry David Thoreau’s “uncommon school” in Walden, where people could pursue lifelong studies. The first series of evening classes enrolled fifty-eight students. From 1973 to 1976, Cranbrook P.M. continued to be run by rotating chairpersons from the Mother’s Council, with Margot Snyder acting as advisor. As Cranbrook P.M. grew, it became more difficult to find volunteers from Mother’s Council who would commit the necessary time to the paperwork. In fall of 1976, a part-time secretary was hired to work with volunteer course coordinators, with Margot Snyder assuming overall responsibility. The Cranbrook P.M. offices moved to Cranbrook House in spring 1978. Additional staff was added to accommodate the growing number of course offerings. In the mid-1980s, Jeannette Keramedjian joined the staff as director. As the program continued to grow, Keramedjian felt that the original purpose of Cranbrook P.M. – to augment the financial aid funds of Cranbrook School – was no longer feasible. She believed Cranbrook P.M. should be self-supporting, and its revenues used to cover staff salaries, office expenses, promotion, facility use and instructor costs. She also looked for a greater unity between the programs offered and the different Cranbrook institutions. As the cost to run the programs rose, so did the class fees. Despite course offerings taught by prominent figures in their field, Cranbrook P.M. could not continue to sustain itself. By the mid-1990s, Cranbrook P.M. discontinued operations.

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (1 SB, 1 MS)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Cranbrook P.M., a continuing education and outreach program, was founded in 1973 by the Cranbrook School Mother’s Council. The program, which became defunct by the mid-1990s offered a series of evening classes, lectures, seminars, workshops, tours, etc. focusing on the arts, languages, math, music, sports, and the sciences. The collection primarily focuses on the program's curricula, however there is a small amount of material associated with its administrative functions.

Arrangement

The folders are arranged chronologically by year, and then alphabetical by type of program.

Acquisition

Donated by Margot and Ben Snyder in 1999.

Processing History

Initial processing by Ellen Vanderkolk, 2011. Final processing and finding aid updated in August 2011 by Robbie Terman.

Title
Guide to the Cranbrook P.M. Records
Status
Completed
Author
Original finding aid written by Ellen Vanderkolk.
Date
2011
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Edition statement
Resource record created by Nichole L. Manlove.

Revision Statements

  • 2011: Collection updated and finding aid revised by Robbie Terman.

Repository Details

Part of the Cranbrook Archives, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research Repository

Contact: