World's Poultry Science Association (WPSA) Records

One of the oldest international poultry organizations is the World's Poultry Science Association (WPSA). WPSA was established in 1912 under the name the International Association of Poultry Instructors and Investigators. At the first meeting held in London, England, 19 individuals from 14 countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America) decided there should be an international meeting of those involved in the poultry industry and sciences. Edward Brown from the United Kingdom was elected the first president of WPSA and Raymond Pearl from the United States of America was elected the first secretary.

The first international gathering was planned for 1916 but due to World War I the meeting was postponed until 1921. The First World's Poultry Congress was held in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1921. The first congress had 384 participants from 23 countries. From 1921 to 1954, the World's Poultry Congress was held every three years, excluding the period of World War II, 1939-1945. Since 1954, a congress has been held every four years.

In 1924, WPSA adopted its present day emblem of the rooster standing on top of the world with torches on either side. The emblem originated at the Third World's Poultry Congress in Ottawa, Canada in 1924. In 1928, the organization changed its name to the World's Poultry Science Association.

The original constitution was adopted in 1921 and served the organization until 1972 when the present day constitution was adopted. The basic premise for WPSA has remained unchanged. The main objectives of WPSA are to promote the advancement and exchange of knowledge in all areas of poultry science and the poultry industry.

In 1947, the first national branch of the WPSA was established in the United Kingdom. In 1959, the first federation of branches was formed with the creation of the European Federation of Branches of WPSA. The European Federation began holding the European Poultry Conferences every four years starting in 1960 with the First European Poultry Conference held at Utrecht, Netherlands. European Poultry Conferences are held two years apart from the World's Poultry Congresses so as not to conflict. The conferences have a different format than the congresses. In 1981, the Asian Pacific Federation of WPSA became the second federation of branches. The first Asian Pacific Federation regional seminar was held in conjunction with the Fifth Australasian Poultry and Stock Feed Convention at Adelaide, Australia, in 1983.

In addition to promoting the World's Poultry Congresses, European Poultry Conferences, regional conferences, branch conferences, and symposia, WPSA produces its own journal. In 1928, WPSA first published its journal, titled the International Review of Poultry Science. It was produced from 1928 until 1940. WPSA began circulating its journal under the name the World's Poultry Science Journal starting in 1945 and continues to distribute it today.

The WPSA awards its members for exemplary service to the poultry industry and poultry science. The Macdougall Award is named after Major Ian Macdougall, secretary of WPSA from 1950 to 1968, for his long and faithful service to the association. In 1962 the first Macdougall Award was presented to a member in recognition of his meritorious service to the association. Beginning in 1988, members were admitted to the International Poultry Hall of Fame for outstanding service in the international sector. The award recipients are announced at each World's Poultry Congress.

Today, there are over 7000 members in 71 countries.

The World's Poultry Science Association (WPSA) Records contain materials collected over the years by various members of the organization. The earliest material dates from the founding of the organization in 1912 and the most recent materials from the 22nd World's Poultry Congress in 2004. The bulk of the materials spans from the late 1960s to the present. Items contained within the collection are correspondence, meeting minutes, reports, publications, maps, meeting information, photographs, and ephemera.

Over half of the collection deals with the various congresses, conferences and symposia (Series VII, Series VIII, and Series IX) that the WPSA helps to promote and that its members attend. These sections of the collection consist mainly of informational materials about various congresses, conferences, and symposia. There are posters, brochures, invitations, programs, maps, bags, badges, pins, travel guides, correspondence, catalogs, and proceedings.

Working files of the organization are found in Series I through Series VI. The files include the constitution (Series I), correspondence (Series II), reports (Series III), committee records (Series IV), awards presented to members of the association (Series V), and photographs (Series VI).

Within the collection are various illustrations used for congress and conference programs and brochures. There are some color images of the different breeds of poultry. Also included are informational materials regarding the poultry industry of various countries. The majority of the congress and conference materials contain detailed travel information about the meeting location.

The collection contains few materials prior to 1968. There are no files for the office of the vice president. The actual planning files for the individual congresses and conferences are not included within this collection. The WPSA promotes the congresses, conferences, and symposia but it is not responsible for the actual planning of the events. That responsibility lies with the individual host country. Only the proceedings are available for the Sixth European Poultry Conference and the Eighth European Poultry Conference.

The WPSA is still an active international organization and since the National Agricultural Library is a repository for this organization, the collection will continue to grow.

Each series begins with a folder numbered one to accommodate for the future growth of the collection. Abbreviations are World's Poultry Science Association (WPSA), World's Poultry Congress (WPC), European Poultry Conferences (EPC), National Agricultural Library (NAL), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Series I. Constitution and Related Documents. 1912-2004. 1.75 boxes.

This series contains the constitutions of the World's Poultry Science Association (WPSA), Branches, and the European Federation of Branches of WPSA. The materials are arranged chronologically within each subseries.

• Subseries I.A. World's Poultry Science Association (WPSA). 1912-1994.

This subseries contains the original constitution as well as drafts. A new constitution was adopted in 1972 to replace the original from 1921. Also included is correspondence relating to the revisions of the constitution and a history of the WPSA.

• Subseries I.B. Branch Constitutions. 1950-2004.

This subseries contains the constitutions of WPSA branch members. Members in individual countries may join together to form a national branch of WPSA to organize activities and meetings for its members. The first national branch was established in 1946 with the United Kingdom Branch. Also included is correspondence relating to the revisions of the branch constitution needed for WPSA approval.

• Subseries I.C. European Federation of WPSA Branches. 1961-1972.

This suberies contains the constitution of the European Federation of WPSA Branches, as well as drafts and revisions. Federations may be formed by national branches within a particular region of the world. There are two federations, the European Federation and the Asia Pacific Federation. Also included is correspondence relating to the revisions of the constitution.

Series II. Correspondence. 1946-2004. 20 boxes.

This series consists of 13 subseries: President, Secretary, Treasurer, World's Poultry Science Journal, WPSA Newsletter, General, Membership, Outreach, WPSA Executive Committee, WPSA Council, European Federation of WPSA Branches General, European Federation of WPSA Branches Executive Committee, and European Federation of WPSA Branches Council. The materials are arranged chronologically within each subseries with the exception of Membership which is arranged alphabetically by country.

• Subseries II.A. President. 1966-1981.

This subseries includes letters to and from the office of the president. The subject matter consists of WPSA business relating to meetings, awards, monetary matters, and other WPSA matters. These materials cover only Arthur William Jasper's term as WPSA President.

• Subseries II.B. Secretary. 1946-1995.

This subseries includes letters to and from the office of the secretary. The majority of the correspondence is circular notices informing WPSA members of events.

• Subseries II.C. Treasurer. 1959-2003.

This subseries includes letters to and from the office of the treasurer. The subject of the materials varies from dues, the World's Poultry Science Journal finances, lost exhibits, to the WPSA archives at the National Agricultural Library.

• Subseries II.D. World's Poultry Science Journal. 1972-1995.

The subseries includes materials about publishing costs, sponsorships, contracts between the publishers and the WPSA, correspondence between officers of WPSA regarding the Journal and its future, and the overall operation of the Journal.

• Subseries II.E. WPSA Newsletter. 1993-1995.

The WPSA Newsletter correspondence is sent to the sponsors of the World's Poultry Science Journal and all the branch secretaries. In addition to correspondence sent to and from the officers, there are three newsletters from 1993 to 1995.

• Subseries II.F. General. 1968-1996.

The general correspondence deals with day to day WPSA operations, mainly letters or memoranda written by the officers of the WPSA to other officers or members.

• Subseries II.G. Membership. 1947-1996.

This subseries contains correspondence from both branch members and non branch members of WPSA. Subjects cover requests for membership, formation of branches, membership dues, membership lists, and the receiving of the World's Poultry Science Journal.

• Subseries II.H. Outreach. 1987-1988.

This subseries contains correspondence between WPSA members regarding the outreach program, established to advance the cause of poultry science and the poultry industry in developing countries.

• Subseries II.I. WPSA Executive Committee. 1959-2004.

This subseries contains the correspondence of the WPSA executive committee, meeting topics, agendas, and meeting minutes. The executive committee is comprised of all the elected WPSA officers and the presidents of regional federations. It conducts the organization's short term affairs.

• Subseries II.J. WPSA Council. 1959-2004.

This subseries contains the correspondence of the WPSA council, agendas and notices. The council is comprised of elected members from each branch country. It concerns itself with the organization's broad policy.

• Subseries II.K. European Federation of Branches of WPSA General. 1972-1979.

This subseries contains correspondence between members of the European Federation regarding business of the federation.

• Subseries II.L. European Federation of WPSA Branches Executive Committee. 1961-1989.

This subseries contains correspondence of the European Federation executive committee regarding meeting topics, agendas, and notices. The executive committee is comprised of one member from each branch within the Federation. Its duties are the short term management of the Federation's affairs

• Subseries II.M. European Federation of WPSA Branches Council. 1972-1986.

This subseries contains correspondence of the European Federation council regarding meeting agendas and notices. The council is comprised of 1 to 10 representatives for each branch country within the Federation, based on that country's membership. Its duties are the broad policy of the Federation's affairs.

Series III. Reports. 1962-2003. 1.5 boxes.

This series consists of four subseries: President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Editor. The reports were presented to the executive committee or the World's Poultry Science Association Council. The materials are arranged chronologically within each subseries.

• Subseries III.A. President. 1986-1988.

This subseries contains reports of the president for the years 1986-1988.

• Subseries III.B. Secretary. 1962-2000.

This subseries contains reports of the secretary for the years 1962-2000.

• Subseries III.C. Treasurer. 1962-2000.

This subseries contains treasurer's reports for the years 1962-2000

• Subseries III.D. Editor. 1965-2003.

This subseries contains editor's reports for the years 1965-2003. Also included are some of the journal production manager's reports.

Series IV. Committee Records. 1948-2004. 2.75 boxes.

This series consists of five subseries: WPSA Executive Committee Meeting Minutes, WPSA Council Meeting Minutes, European Federation of WPSA Branches Executive Committee Meeting Minutes, European Federation of WPSA Branches Council Meeting Minutes, and European Federation of WPSA Branches Working Group 1 Meeting Minutes. The materials are arranged chronologically within each subseries.

• Subseries IV.A. WPSA Executive Committee Meeting Minutes. 1968-2004.

This subseries consists of the WPSA executive committee meeting minutes for the years 1970-1995. The executive committee is comprised of all the elected WPSA officers and the presidents of regional federations. It conducts the organization's short term affairs.

• Subseries IV.B. WPSA Council Meeting Minutes. 1948-2004.

This subseries consists of the WPSA Council meeting minutes. The council is comprised of elected members from each branch country. It concerns itself with the organization's broad policy.

• Subseries IV.C. European Federation of WPSA Branches Executive Committee Meeting Minutes. 1971-1991.

This subseries consists of the European Federation executive committee meeting minutes. The executive committee is comprised of one member from each branch within the Federation. Its duties are the short term management of the Federation's affairs.

• Subseries IV.D. European Federation of WPSA Branches Council Meeting Minutes. 1972.

This subseries consists of the European Federation council meeting minutes. The council is comprised of 1 to 10 representatives for each branch country within the Federation, based on that country's membership. Its duties are the broad policy of the Federation's affairs.

• Subseries IV.E. European Federation of WPSA Branches Working Group 1 Meeting Minutes. 1976-1977

This subseries consists of the European Federation Working Group 1, Economics and Marketing, meeting minutes for 1976-1977.

Series V. Awards. 1962-1996. 1.75 boxes.

This series consists of three subseries: Cliff D. Carpenter Youth Program Essay Contest, International Poultry Hall of Fame and the Macdougall Award. The materials are arranged chronologically within each subseries.

• Subseries V.A. Cliff D. Carpenter Youth Program Essay Contest. 1976-1984.

The Cliff D. Carpenter Youth Program Essay Contest was established in 1975 by the USA Branch of WPSA, after a successful youth program at the 15th World's Poultry Congress in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1974. The purpose of the essay competition is to provide travel arrangements and funding to World's Poultry Congresses for those youth that produce outstanding essays on a predetermined topic about poultry science. Included in this subseries are correspondence relating to this competition and essays submitted.

• Subseries V.B. International Poultry Hall of Fame. 1981-1996.

WPSA recognizes those individuals who have made substantial contributions in the international sector of the world-wide poultry industry by inducting them into the International Poultry Hall of Fame. Included in this subseries are correspondence relating to this award and nominations of members for the honor. In addition, the materials include the procedures for nominating a person.

• Subseries V.C. Macdougall Award. 1962-1986.

WPSA recognizes a member for his or her meritorious service by granting the Macdougall Award. Materials included in this subseries are correspondence regarding the award, procedures for nominating a member, and a description of the honor.

Series VI. Photographs. 1927-1993. 0.5 box.

This series consists of two subseries: Meetings and World's Poultry Congresses. Some of the photographs are labeled. The materials are arranged chronologically within each subseries.

• Subseries VI.A. Meetings. 1970-1993.

These photographs depict WPSA meetings and business of members. The photographs are of executive meetings and travels and/or tours of WPSA members. Some are group photographs.

• Subseries VI.B. World's Poultry Congresses (WPC). 1927-1984.

These photographs depict World's Poultry Congresses activities. There are photographs of the opening sessions, exhibits, attendees, speakers, and promotion of World's Poultry Congresses.

Series VII. World's Poultry Congresses (WPC). 1921-2004. 10 boxes.

The World's Poultry Congresses series is one of the largest in the collection. The series spans from 1921-2004. The materials are mainly comprised of items produced for the congress, such as programs, travel guides, congress information, exhibit information, newsletters, and proceedings. Correspondence is included. The materials are arranged chronologically by the year a congress was held.

Series VIII. Conferences. 1963-2002. 1 box.

This series consists of three subseries: European Poultry Conferences, Regional Poultry Conferences, and Other Conferences and Symposia. Each subseries pertains to a particular type of conference designed for a certain audience. The materials consist of programs, invitations, correspondence, newsletters, announcements, and proceedings. The materials are arranged chronologically within each subseries.

• Subseries VIII.A. European Poultry Conference (EPC). 1968-1998.

This subseries contains materials from the European Poultry Conferences. The materials span from 1960-1998. The European Poultry Conferences serve as a way for the members of the European Federation to meet and discuss similar interests. Included are programs, newsletters, invitations, announcements, and proceedings.

• Subseries VIII.B. Regional Poultry Conference. 1980-1999.

This subseries contains invitations, press releases, publications, and general information. Regional poultry conferences are hosted by an individual branch for those members in a particular area of the world.

• Subseries VIII.C. Other Conferences and Symposia. 1963-1999.

This subseries is comprised of publications, a schedule of events, and conference information, such as programs, forms, and announcements. These materials are from conferences, symposia, and meetings not held in conjunction with a World's Poultry Congress, European Poultry Conference, regional or branch conferences.

Series IX. Souvenirs. 1939-1996. 4 boxes

The souvenirs were collected from individual congresses and conferences. The items include bags, briefcases, posters, trinkets, and badges from the events.

The following sources were used to write the organizational history:

World's Poultry Science Association Records, 1912-present. Special Collections, National Agricultural Library.

World's Poultry Science Association. "WPSA."; Accessed February 7, 2005 from http://www.wpsa.com/.

UK Branch, World's Poultry Science Association. "Welcome to WPSA (UK)"; Accessed January 12, 2005 from http://www.wpsa-uk.com/.

Jasper, A. William. "The World's Poultry Science Association." World's Poultry Science Journal 34, no. 1 (February 1978): 9-21.

Click here to download the appendices to the collection. (PDF|33KB)

• Appendix A: WPSA Publications in the General Collection of the National Agricultural Library
• Appendix B: Who's Who in the World's Poultry Science Association
• Appendix C: Related Collections