Dorothy Needham was a member of The Association to Promote a Third Foundation for Women in the University of Cambridge, commonly known as the Third Foundation Association. The Association was formed in July 1952 to work towards the establishment of a third college for women, in addition to Girton and Newnham, in order to increase the number of undergraduate places for women in Cambridge. The foundation in 1954 of New Hall [now known as Murray Edwards College] was the direct result of the work of the association, while a breakaway group which had originated in the Dining Group (founded in 1950), qv, went on to found Lucy Cavendish College for mature women students in 1965. The events leading up to the formation of the Association are narrated in a note by D N prepared for the Dining Group (see GCPP Needham 2/4/1).
These papers include draft proposals, minutes, correspondence, and publicity material. They reflect Dorothy Needham's close involvement in the foundation of New Hall through the work of the Third Foundation Association.