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The Cliff Smith YMCA Postcard Collection is comprised of nearly 10,000 unique and rare postcards dating from the 1890s all the way through the 20th century. They depict YMCA buildings, events and activities in the United States and abroad. It provides a unique and valuable understanding of the significance of the YMCA around the world. Within the collection are postcards that represent some of the remaining images of many YMCA buildings. In addition to architectural history, the collection also addresses the topics of camping, aquatics, youth work, armed services, fitness and athletics, World War I, African American YMCAs, the City of Springfield Massachusetts, and Springfield College (formerly the International YMCA Training School).