Washington University Civic Education Center Records

Collection

Identifier: WUA-01-wua00080

Staff Only

This collection is divided into three (3) series as follows: Series 01: Subject Files – contains the records of the activities of the Civic Education Center, including programs and publications, specifically those relating to the Metroplex series of programming (arranged alphabetically). Series 02: Media Materials – contains 16 mm reels from the Civic Education Center (arranged alphabetically). See also the Washington University Radio and Television Office finding aid for media relating to the ‘Metroplex Series’, ‘Search for America,’ and ‘Science and Human Responsibility’ programs.

Dates

Creation: 1955-1964

Creator

Civic Education Center (Saint Louis, Mo.) (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Open

Conditions Governing Use

Users of the collection must read and agree to abide by the rules and procedures set forth in the Materials Use Policies. Providing access to materials does not constitute permission to publish or otherwise authorize use. All publication not covered by fair use or other exceptions is restricted to those who have permission of the copyright holder, which may or may not be Washington University. If you wish to publish or license Special Collections materials, please contact Special Collections to inquire about copyright status at (314) 935-5495 or spec@wumail.wustl.edu. (Publish means quotation in whole or in part in seminar or term papers, theses or dissertations, journal articles, monographs, books, digital forms, photographs, images, dramatic presentations, transcriptions, or any other form prepared for a limited or general public.)

Extent

5.00 linear feet

4 boxes

Additional Description

Biographical or Historical Information

In 1958, Washington University in St. Louis established the Civic Education Center (CEC) to address the contemporary challenges of living in a progressive, modern, and ever-changing urban society. Conceived as both a general public and adult higher education service, the Center hosted countless innovative television and telephone debate programs commonly called “Metroplex Assemblies.” These programs enabled participants from a wide geographic area to assemble and actively explore important topics of the day in a communal fashion. This was accomplished by means of professionally moderated community “viewing posts” located throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. As the popularity of these programs mounted, “viewing posts” grew from meetings in private homes to community centers, hospitals, churches, police and fire stations, and schools.

Note written by