Women’s History and Resource Center

Women’s History and Resource Center

Celebrating Suffrage

The Dover Century Club (DE) spearheaded the statewide suffrage centennial celebration on August 26, 2020, at the historic Green in Dover. Clubwomen dressed in suffragette costumes were joined by members of the Delaware State Legislature, the Historical Society of Dover, First State Heritage Park, and Daughters of the American Revolution. Following the reading of the 19^th Amendment and proclamation presentation, a special tribute was presented to GFWC Delaware by the Delaware Heritage Commission. The celebration culminated in the unveiling of a commemorative marker at the old State House.

Voter Registration Drive

The Woman’s Club of Raleigh’s (NC) suffrage centennial celebration was highlighted by a voter registration drive held in collaboration with another GFWC North Carolina club. The drive was held at various locations, including area churches, the state farmer’s market, and the Raleigh-Durham Airport. Club members and guests attended a club program on the historic 2020 election process. The club was recognized for its service by the Wake County Board of Elections.

“Years of Hope. Years of Courage”

Victor Valley Women’s Club (CA) celebrated the suffrage centennial with a float in the 2020 Tournament of Roses Parade, “Years of Hope. Years of Courage,” in Pasadena, California. One hundred ladies, including the club president, dressed in suffragist costume and followed the float that carried descendants of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Stanton, and other suffragists.

Inspirational Women Coloring Book

GFWC Kansas City Athenaeum (MO) donated $3,300 to the Kansas City Public Library to cover the cost of printing 5,000 coloring books depicting eight Kansas City women instrumental in the women’s suffrage movement. A downloadable coloring book was posted on the library’s website when COVID-19 mandates forced the closing of the library until late summer 2020.

Celebrating 130

When COVID-19 mandates forced cancellation of its in-person 130^th anniversary celebration, Fowler Improvement Association (CA) chose to celebrate its 130-year history by “giving back” to its community. Five projects were chosen that would have impact on specific community needs: 130 canned goods for those in need, 130 pairs of eyeglasses, 130 pairs of socks for the homeless, 130 pairs of used tennis shoes, and 130 blankets and towels for the local animal shelter.

Time Capsule Keepsakes

The Woman’s Club of Lyndhurst (NJ) celebrated its 90^th anniversary in February 2020. Local dignitaries and GFWC New Jersey officers joined club members at the Valentine’s Day/Heart Health anniversary celebration. A time capsule was filled with 2020 “keepsakes” to be opened in 10 years at the club’s 100^th anniversary.

Honoring History

GFWC Tifton Woman’s Club (GA) hosted a reception honoring its 115^th anniversary. Members of the Tifton community, former Tifton Woman’s Club members, GFWC Georgia officers, District club members, and city officials attended. A media version of club scrapbooks and pictures was displayed during the event. The celebration culminated with the announcement that the club had officially changed its name from Twentieth Century Library Club to GFWC Tifton Woman’s Club.

“Flat Frances”

GFWC Glendale Woman’s Club (AZ) worked closely with the Arizona Women’s History Alliance to raise funds for a statue honoring Arizona suffragist Frances Munds. Recognizing the need for a low cost visual image to increase public awareness through social media, the club secured permission to create “Flat Frances.” After coloring and assembling their own paper copy of ”Flat Frances,” members were encouraged to take her with them wherever they went and, using Facebook’s check-in feature, to post pictures.

Wimbish House History

GFWC Atlanta Woman’s Club (GA) opens its club house for annual tours sponsored by the city. Members memorize scripts and don costumes to share the landmark history of the Wimbish House. Since 2010, the club has rented costumes from a local vendor at a cost of $700 annually. The club established its own “costume closet” filled with costumes collected from club and community members.

Restoring Nature

In celebration of Federation Day, members of Wilmington Woman’s Club (NC) chose to plant trees at historic Oakdale Cemetery, established in 1852 as North Carolina’s First Rural Cemetery. The cemetery experienced severe damage to hundreds of trees and flower beds during Hurricane Florence. Club members purchased three fast-growing oak saplings for the project.