The Century Association Archives Foundation was established in 1997 to preserve, organize, and administer the historical records of the Century Association, a New York arts and letters club founded in 1847.
The Century Archives document the history of the Association, its landmark clubhouse, events, and activities of numerous members prominent in the realms of art, literature, music, society, and politics.
We welcome all researchers.
“The Century Archives are, in effect, the biography of the club, and the club’s papers provide a unique look at American literary and artistic developments and personalities over the last century and a half…”
Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., Historian and CAAF Co-Founder
Illustration by Arnold Roth
We preserve and provide access to research collections offering a unique perspective on civic and cultural history.
Our core mission is to document the history of the Century Association, its landmark clubhouse, and the member activities within its walls; to preserve its physical and digital records; and to promote and provide public access to these archival holdings while respecting the privacy of current and recent members.
Illustration by Arnold Roth
We create digital resources for researchers – from a veritable online reference shelf of Centuriana to a searchable database of early members.
The CAAF prioritizes initiatives to make its collections more available and discoverable to the public through digitization of its physical holdings and the development and enhancement of the Member Directory, 1847-1922.
Illustration by Byron Bell
Member Directory (1847-1922)
Search and view member profiles, portraits, and memorials for the over 3,000 Centurions who joined the Association through 1922.
Digital Library
Read and search 38 narrative histories, exhibition catalogues, ledgers documenting art gallery displays, and book-length tributes to Century members.
Image Galleries
View curated image collections and online exhibitions.
Audio Recordings
Find highlights from lectures, literary evenings, artist talks, and other events recorded at the Century since 1954.
Finding Aids
Detailed guides are available for our research collections.
CAAF Collaborations & Highlights
Support the Foundation
Donate
Gifts are tax-exempt and support our mission to make historic materials of the Century Association more accessible.
Volunteer
The CAAF welcomes volunteers interested in contributing as we expand and enhance our collections and digital resources.
Help Our Collections Grow
We welcome submissions of records, correspondence, photographs, ephemera, and/or any other material relevant to Century history.
Illustration by Walker O. Cain