Barnard Magazine

The Barnard College Alumnae Magazine provides a way for alums to stay in touch with each other and to learn about developments in the Barnard community. The Magazine was first published in 1912 by the Barnard Alumnae Association. The name of the publication changed sporadically. Originally called the “Bulletin of the Associate Alumnae,” it became the “Barnard College Alumnae Monthly,” the “Barnard College Alumnae Magazine,” and finally “Barnard Magazine.” Initially the Magazine was published once a year; today it is published quarterly. Initial issues were helmed by Dean Gildersleeve, who wrote most of the material. Advertisements were introduced in 1921, and photographs in 1922. The first color in the Barnard Magazine was used in full page advertisements for cigarettes that appeared in 1930. Initially, lists were published of marriages, moves, and divorces. Later issues saw each class assigned a ‘correspondent’ who published news of class members in personal columns. Alums were asked to write in with personal news, which was published in the back pages of the Magazine. During the 1970s the Magazine’s focus became more general with articles being written about the state of the world from the perspective of Barnard alums, rather than focusing merely on College activities. Barnard Magazine was originally sent out to paying members of the Alumnae Association, but is now sent to all Barnard alums. Materials published in the Magazine offer a unique narrative of the College’s history. Articles, interviews, and notices intended for alums often acknowledge and comment on important events not only at Barnard (for example, student movements or historically significant administrative decisions), but also in New York City. The collection is useful for chronicling Barnard alums and maintaining records of students’ lives after Barnard.