Arrangement
The collection consists of three sub-groups: I. The original AAPE
records (1923 - December 1992); II. AAKPE records (January 1993 - present);
III. University of Washington files, 1981-1983, regarding the elimination of
the Department of Kinesiology
In the original files, an internal numerical code filing system was
sometimes used. The code system was not adhered to throughout all the years of
the filing, and was in fact internally altered within the AAPE and then
abandoned completely for several years. The file folders are arranged in regard
and respect to this system as a guide, but no attempt has been made to file by
the numerical code system any items which were not previously assigned to
individual articles or folders by the filing secretary while actively within
the possession of the AAPE or AAKPE.
The University of Washington files are arranged chronologically.
Administrative History
In 1904/1905 Luther Halsey Gulick organized an Academy of Physical
Education (AAPE) to bring together those who were doing original scientific
work in physical training and to help promote such work. Early leaders met
annually at Gulick's camp at Lake Sebago, Maine to discuss an agreed-upon topic
important to the developing field of physical education. With no constitution
and no election to membership, this "academy" discontinued its meeting during
World War I.
In 1926 five men, whose names distinguish the history of American
physical education, met in New York City to initiate action which led to the
founding of the present American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education
(AAKPE). It was decided to add five new members to the group each year until
the number reached thirty and then officially charter the organization. The
five original members were Clark W. Hetherington, champion of developmental
play and educational athletics, often called "the modern philosopher of
physical education"; R. Tait McKenzie, physician, scholar, and sculptor, who
created the Academy medallion, the Gulick Medal and many pieces of sport art;
William Burdick, city recreation specialist and administrator; Thomas A.
Storey, physician, health educator, and first State Supervisor (New York 1916)
of physical education; and Jay B. Nash, philosopher of recreation and advocate
of the development of the "whole person" through creative leisure.
Hetherington, McKenzie and Storey had been members of Gulick's earlier
"academy," and Hetherington, who is usually credited with conceiving of the
idea of founding the current Academy, was designated Fellow Number One and
served as the temporary president during the five organizational years,
1926-1930.
Set forth in the 1930 Constitution, the purpose of the Academy was "to
advance knowledge in the field of physical education, to uplift its standards,
and uphold its honor," by electing to Fellowship men and women who have made
significant contributions; by making such trust funds as may exist available
for research, by encouraging promising students to enter the field; by
recognizing work of high merit; by disseminating professional information at
home and in foreign countries, and by assisting in the enactment of legislation
favorable to physical education."
In June 1932 AAPE President McKenzie related the Academy's founding to
the needs met by founding the English Royal Society and the Academic Francaise
in the 17th century. Whereas it had been possible for one person to become
familiar with the whole range of 17th century knowledge, the growth of
knowledge by the end of the 19th century made specialization necessary.
Comparable specialized "Academics" (e.g. the American Academy of Science, the
American Academy of Medicine) also were founded at this time, McKenzie
visualized the Academy as part of an international movement to improve physical
education and bring its benefits to all the peoples of the world.
As a plastic surgeon and educator himself, McKenzie's vision may have
been influenced by his experience from the Great War and the consequent
movement toward unification through efforts to join the working knowledge of
physical educators with the greater picture of educating policy makers and the
masses to the need for in-depth and on-going study of the field of physical
education. The Academy's original purpose encompassed issues in regard to not
only individual personal health programs but national educational standards,
and scientific programs of study and fellowship.
This purpose expanded in 1945 when the Academy worked with the
American Medical Association and was commissioned by the U.S. Government to
review and to serve, "as 'watchdog' on matters of legislation and related
issues where the Academy might play a part in helping to bring national
policies and practices in line with the best thinking in the field of health
and physical education." Its duties included R.O.T.C. recommendations and
military preparedness. Early interaction and guidelines from AAPE committees
and congresses set the legislative framework for many veterans' programs, such
as those within the Y.M.C.A.
Distinguished Academy members such as Mabel Lee, were prominent
figures in the co-operation, understanding and the on-going progression of
women's athletics and physical education. Discussions, papers, and Annual
Meetings of the Academy structured national awareness of the existence of a
common lineage of physical knowledge which could benefit both genders.
From its beginnings, the AAPE was instrumental in global strategies
for heightened educational, scientific and legislative awareness in respect to
physical education issues and ramifications. Not the least of these issues was
the internal struggle within academic arenas of the 1960s and 1970s to grapple
with the widening future of scientific and technological advancements. In step
with the demands of a broadening base of skills and knowledge, the American
Academy of Physical Education, in January 1993, broadened its scope and purpose
to become the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Dedicated
to educational concerns and scientific advancements in the field, the AAKPE,
continues through its members, awards, newsletters and publications to serve,
promote and enhance the direction of physical education issues, nationally and
internationally.
Index Terms
These materials are indexed under the following headings in the
catalog of the Pennsylvania State University. Researchers wishing to find
related materials should search the catalog under these index terms.
Corporate Subjects
American Academy of
Physical Education
American Academy of
Kinesiology and Physical Education
University of Washington.
Dept. of Kinesiology
Topical Subjects
Kinesiology -- Societies.
etc.
Physical education and
training -- Societies. etc.
Corporate Creators
American Academy of
Physical Education -- Archives
American Academy of
Kinesiology and Physical Education -- Archives
University of Washington.
Dept. of Kinesiology -- Archives
