This group photograph portrays the participants attending the 28th International Convention of YMCAs of North America held between May 8-12, 1889, in Phildelphia, Penn. The men shown in the photograph are standing for the portrait in front of a building with Greco-roman columns in Philadelphia.
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Notes:
The North American YMCA began initial steps towards the organization of international activity during the YMCA's first Student Christian Conference, at Mount Hermon, Massachusetts, in 1886. A group of one hundred students signed a pledge to participate in volunteer work in foreign countries, including John R. Mott, the future and first general secretary of the YMCA’s International Committee. The conference in addition to requests for assistance from missionaries in India, led YMCA leaders to organize the International Convention in Philadelphia in 1889, which would formally establish the basis of YMCA international work. This convention is also remembered for officially adopting Dr. Luther Gulick’s educational program. Dr. Gulick contributed to a more rational approach to physical education and the professionalization of physical education instructors. Dr. Gulick is believed to be pictured in the photograph.
A handwritten penned caption on the back of the photograph reads "28th International Convention of YMCAs Philadelphia, PA. May 8-12, 1889".
