Mutual Improvement Associations
Administrative History
The Mutual Improvement Associations (1869 and 1975-approximately 1970), or MIA, were organized by the Church to benefit young men and women.
The Mutual Improvement Associations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were organized in the 19th century. The Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association was established in 1869 as the Young Ladies' Cooperative Retrenchment Association, and the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association in 1875. The organizations provided recreational and faith-promoting activities for youth. Beginning in the 1930s, the Mutual Improvement Associations included a number of dance activities and training. Both organizations were reorganized in the early 1970s, removing the terms Mutual Improvement Association from their names.
Citation:
Speech directors' guide, 1960-61:t.p. (Mutual Improvement Associations, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) cover (MIA)M.I.A. music supplement, 1954-55.
Manual de oficiales ejecutivos de la AMM, mid- or late 20th century, [not before 1959]:title page (AAM; Asociaciones de Mejoramiento Mutuo de la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Días; Salt Lake City, Utah)
UPB files, April 26, 2010 (organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; 19th century; Young Women's MIA established 1869; Young Ladies' Cooperative Entrenchment Association; Young Men's MIA established 1875; recreational and faith-promoting activities; dance and training in 1930s; reorganized in 1970s; names changed and no longer included MIA)
Found in 9 Collections and/or Records:
15th Ward MIA fortnightly review
15th Ward MIA fortnightly review, editorials by F.J. Russell, undated.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints MIA records
Records concerning the LDS church MIA leaders in New York, 1931-1934.
Department of Dance records on the Mutual Improvement Association, 1957-1973
Contains dance calendars, choreography, handbooks, and dance cards related to the dance activities and festivals of the Mutual Improvement Association. Dated 1957-1973.
J. Warren Johnson papers
The collection contains the journals of J. Warren Johnson before and after his mission to the Southern States during the years 1895-1899. It also contains the journals while he was serving as a Mutual Improvement Missionary in Wasatch County, Utah. The Journals are organized chronologically. The collection contains material on the Southern States Mission during the years 1895-1899 and of the Mutual Improvement Program along the Wasatch front from 1901-1902.
Charlene Lind papers
Mutual Improvement Associations presentation of the contributors
Printed and signed circulars. "Presentation of the Contributors and Improvement Eras made by the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association." The items were signed by George Albert Smith, Richard R. Lyman, and Melvin J. Ballard.
Maryetta Riggs minutes
Handwritten meeting minutes recording the discussions relating to the question of attending a concert. The date of the item is unknown, and the Second Ward is believed to have been in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Frank Y. Taylor papers
This collection consists of an autobiographical sketch by Taylor, a photoduplicated copy of the "Book of Remembrance" for the "Granite Stake of Zion," and photocopies of Taylor's newspaper obituary. The personal history is short and outlines the author's life from birth to the year 1905. It includes the blessing given to him as a baby and several patriarchal blessings he received.