Collection on the Woman's Occupational Bureau

The Woman’s Occupation Bureau was organized in 1916 by the College Women’s Club of Minneapolis. The organization was a member of the National Committee of Bureaus of Occupations. Its purpose was to provide vocational counseling services to women, including job placement. Shortly after its formation the Woman’s Occupational Bureau partnered with the Federal Bureau in placing women in jobs vacated by men leaving to join the military during World War I. The bureau reorganized after World War I ended. The Woman’s Occupational Bureau gave “information and advice as to training courses, occupation information based on research, and facts concerning practical opportunity to women desiring to take up professional work.” The club was originally located in the Andrus Building. Later, it relocated to 216 Meyers Arcade, Minneapolis and 1111 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis. Ruth Rosholt held the office of president from at least 1929-1935.

In November 1934, the Woman’s Occupational Bureau sponsored the Women’s Week Exposition. The eight-day event, which was held at the Minneapolis municipal auditorium, promoted the achievements of women in Minneapolis and featured exhibits by more than forty local women’s organizations. Featured speakers included Fanny Hurst, Amelia Earhart, Emily Knuebuhl, and Princess Alexandra Kropotkin.