IISF History

Since the founding of the first International Institute in New York City in 1910, International Institutes around the country have demonstrated a strong and consistent commitment to protect the rights of immigrants and refugees who come to our communities to build new lives.

We would like to share our story with you.
Our Annual Reports reflect recent history, from 1996 to the present.The story of our inception, on through to the 1990's, is told in "Around the World in 80 Days". Please find excerpts of this publication below.

• First Decade (1918-1929)
  
• Second Decade (1930-1939)
  
• Third Decade (1940-1949)
  
• Fourth Decade (1950-1959)
  
• Fifth Decade (1960-1969)
  
• Sixth Decade (1970-1979)
  
• Seventh Decade (1980-1989)
• Eighth Decade (1990-1999)
  

Additionally, you can learn more about our early years under the umbrella of the National Association of International Institutes, currently the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

Great information on the International Institute movement can be found in the archives of the University of Minnesota.

If you are interested in a copy of Hand Me Down History, a collection of the oral histories of San Francisco senior citizens published by the YouthCares students, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .