Founded in 1984, the GFWC Women’s History and Resource Center (WHRC) collects, preserves, interprets, and promotes the history of GFWC. The WHRC documents the social and political contributions of GFWC clubwomen from 1890 to the present through the GFWC archives and related special collections. Our holdings are available for research by clubwomen, academics, and the general public.
The WHRC collections encompass GFWC’s institutional archives, including convention records, files related to our programs and leadership, and “Clubwoman” magazine (and its predecessors). We hold a robust photograph and audio-visual collection, as well as GFWC ephemera, memorabilia, and the art and artifacts that furnish our historic Headquarters building. We also maintain a reference library collection focused on women’s history, the woman’s club movement, and the history of volunteerism.
Please note: While we do have many state- and club-level archival and photographic materials, we do not maintain official records for State Federations or local clubs, or for outside organizations.
Research at the WHRC
Learn more about the collections, request research assistance, or make an appointment to visit in person. To inquire about a potential donation, please email us with details: whrc@gfwc.org
LEARN MORE Did you know that the Coast Guard is the only branch of the U.S. military without a dedicated museum? Not to worry, the @uscgmuseum is under construction in New London, Connecticut.
The museum will tell stories like that of Ruby M. Mowery Law (1922-2000) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard Women`s Reserve (SPARs) during World War II. Swipe to see part of her uniform, which was on display at yesterday`s annual National Coast Guard Museum Association Congressional Breakfast. Your WHRC Librarian was privileged to join GFWC International President Brazil and the rest of the GFWC delegation at this event on Capitol Hill.
(And yes, although it was a delightful event with important figures in attendance, I was most excited about the getting to meet … the artifacts.)
#WomensHistoryMatters
Did you know that the Coast Guard is the only branch of the U.S. military without a dedicated museum? Not to worry, the @uscgmuseum is under construction in New London, Connecticut.
The museum will tell stories like that of Ruby M. Mowery Law (1922-2000) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard Women`s Reserve (SPARs) during World War II. Swipe to see part of her uniform, which was on display at yesterday`s annual National Coast Guard Museum Association Congressional Breakfast. Your WHRC Librarian was privileged to join GFWC International President Brazil and the rest of the GFWC delegation at this event on Capitol Hill.
(And yes, although it was a delightful event with important figures in attendance, I was most excited about the getting to meet … the artifacts.)
#WomensHistoryMatters
The GFWC 2024-2026 Administration is officially underway, with the installation of our 55th International President, Suellen B. Brazil of Alabama, at the conclusion of last week`s annual convention. Like the folks shown here, we`re pretty excited!
…But this is the *history* page for GFWC, so while there have been plenty of celebratory present-day photos on our other social media accounts, the WHRC has to find a way to take it back a bit. Happily, since Suellen has a been a GFWC member and leader since 1973, there`s no problem.
This delightful photograph was featured in the January-February 1983 issue of "GFWC Clubwoman," illustrating Suellen`s story of serving as a counselor to eleven Hugh O`Brien Youth (HOBY) Foundation International Leadership Seminar Ambassadors. The photo was also chosen for inclusion in "Reaching Out," the definitive history of GFWC (published for our centennial in 1990) by Mary Jean Houde, as an example of GFWC`s important work during the 1982-1984 administration of GFWC International President Juanita Bryant. (We think this picture also nicely exemplifies Suellen`s 2024-2026 theme: "Educate, Engage, Empower.")
📷 Suellen B. Brazil (far left), Junior Chairman, GFWC Education Department, "with some of `her` Ambassadors" at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, August 1982. From "GFWC Clubwoman," Vol. 61, No. 4, January/February 1983
#ClubwomenInAction #WelcomeSuellen
The GFWC 2024-2026 Administration is officially underway, with the installation of our 55th International President, Suellen B. Brazil of Alabama, at the conclusion of last week`s annual convention. Like the folks shown here, we`re pretty excited!
…But this is the *history* page for GFWC, so while there have been plenty of celebratory present-day photos on our other social media accounts, the WHRC has to find a way to take it back a bit. Happily, since Suellen has a been a GFWC member and leader since 1973, there`s no problem.
This delightful photograph was featured in the January-February 1983 issue of "GFWC Clubwoman," illustrating Suellen`s story of serving as a counselor to eleven Hugh O`Brien Youth (HOBY) Foundation International Leadership Seminar Ambassadors. The photo was also chosen for inclusion in "Reaching Out," the definitive history of GFWC (published for our centennial in 1990) by Mary Jean Houde, as an example of GFWC`s important work during the 1982-1984 administration of GFWC International President Juanita Bryant. (We think this picture also nicely exemplifies Suellen`s 2024-2026 theme: "Educate, Engage, Empower.")
📷 Suellen B. Brazil (far left), Junior Chairman, GFWC Education Department, "with some of `her` Ambassadors" at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, August 1982. From "GFWC Clubwoman," Vol. 61, No. 4, January/February 1983
#ClubwomenInAction #WelcomeSuellen
We’ve been building up to our Roaring 20s event at convention, and I’m happy to report it was a great success! Everyone showed up in fantastic 1920s attire: such a fun sight. Well done all!
We’ve been building up to our Roaring 20s event at convention, and I’m happy to report it was a great success! Everyone showed up in fantastic 1920s attire: such a fun sight. Well done all!
The WHRC is in Chicago! Did you know that this city is home to the world’s tallest structure designed by a woman? The 101-story St. Regis, completed in 2020, was designed by architect Jeanne Gang (an Illinois native).
The WHRC is in Chicago! Did you know that this city is home to the world’s tallest structure designed by a woman? The 101-story St. Regis, completed in 2020, was designed by architect Jeanne Gang (an Illinois native).
Still looking for that perfect outfit for Convention? Amaze your friends and fellow clubwomen with one of these stunners, direct from summer 1923!
The experts at Butterick tell us, "The silhouette for the evening dress wavers between the straight relieved by panels, side or front drapery, shoulder sashes, and the wider skirt varying from the circular dress to the tier frock or hooped robe de style… with intermediate widths in panniers of lace. For evening wear the bodice is often draped to the figure and suggests the waistline. Sleeves are either merest suggestions–puff or cap sleeves, or are altogether absent. …The new evening styles adopt themselves to soft taffeta, satin, satin crepe, crepe satin, crepe de Chine, silk crepe, chiffon, an organdy overdress with silk, etc." So as you can see, there are plenty of options (especially when you factor in that helpful "etcetera"). Can`t wait to see everyone`s 1920s attire!
Still looking for that perfect outfit for Convention? Amaze your friends and fellow clubwomen with one of these stunners, direct from summer 1923!
The experts at Butterick tell us, "The silhouette for the evening dress wavers between the straight relieved by panels, side or front drapery, shoulder sashes, and the wider skirt varying from the circular dress to the tier frock or hooped robe de style… with intermediate widths in panniers of lace. For evening wear the bodice is often draped to the figure and suggests the waistline. Sleeves are either merest suggestions–puff or cap sleeves, or are altogether absent. …The new evening styles adopt themselves to soft taffeta, satin, satin crepe, crepe satin, crepe de Chine, silk crepe, chiffon, an organdy overdress with silk, etc." So as you can see, there are plenty of options (especially when you factor in that helpful "etcetera"). Can`t wait to see everyone`s 1920s attire!
Our exploration of 1920s Federation Fashion continues! Today we have the members of the Larkin Woman`s Club of Florida (founded in 1912) posed outside their "old club house" in 1925.
The handwritten caption notes that the club was "afterwards" (and is still today) known as Coco Plum Woman`s Club. Their website tells us that the first clubhouse, shown here, "was built by club husbands" and was dedicated in 1914. The club joined the Florida Federation in 1915 and GFWC in 1917; they reincorporated as Coco Plum in 1926, shortly after their new clubhouse (which today is on the National Register of Historic Places) was built.
Only a few of our clubhouse photos – most donated in the 1930s, when we made a push to collect them for posterity – include the proud club women along with their beloved building; that makes this image all the more special. The donor, Mrs. Sollitt, added an arrow pointing to herself (third from left), but if anyone at @cocoplumwomansclub wants to hazard a guess at some of the women`s names, please reach out so we can update our files!
Clubhouse Photo collection, gift of Mrs. Oliver Sollitt. CP FL 023
#Clubwomeninhistory #FederationFashion
Our exploration of 1920s Federation Fashion continues! Today we have the members of the Larkin Woman`s Club of Florida (founded in 1912) posed outside their "old club house" in 1925.
The handwritten caption notes that the club was "afterwards" (and is still today) known as Coco Plum Woman`s Club. Their website tells us that the first clubhouse, shown here, "was built by club husbands" and was dedicated in 1914. The club joined the Florida Federation in 1915 and GFWC in 1917; they reincorporated as Coco Plum in 1926, shortly after their new clubhouse (which today is on the National Register of Historic Places) was built.
Only a few of our clubhouse photos – most donated in the 1930s, when we made a push to collect them for posterity – include the proud club women along with their beloved building; that makes this image all the more special. The donor, Mrs. Sollitt, added an arrow pointing to herself (third from left), but if anyone at @cocoplumwomansclub wants to hazard a guess at some of the women`s names, please reach out so we can update our files!
Clubhouse Photo collection, gift of Mrs. Oliver Sollitt. CP FL 023
#Clubwomeninhistory #FederationFashion
Your WHRC Librarian is in Toronto this weekend, where the @batashoemuseum has some era-appropriate shoe inspiration for our “roaring ‘20s” party planning. Are your feet ready for Convention? 👠
Your WHRC Librarian is in Toronto this weekend, where the @batashoemuseum has some era-appropriate shoe inspiration for our “roaring ‘20s” party planning. Are your feet ready for Convention? 👠
For today`s "roaring 20s" fashion exploration, we have the high hemlines, cloche hats, and cute shoes that we expect of the decade, thanks to two teenaged attendees of the 1928 GFWC convention.
This slightly-crumpled newspaper clipping was found in a scrapbook dedicated to the 1928 Biennial in San Antonio, Texas. The caption reads, "Pictured here are two of the youngest of the future club women in attendance at the 19th biennial convention… They are Mary Elizabeth and Louise Fagg of Greenville [Texas], whose mother, Mrs. C.A. Fagg, is president of the third district. Mary Elizabeth will serve as a page during the convention.”
A little research tells us that Mary Elizabeth and Louise moved to New York City as young women – Mary Elizabeth is listed as a "fashion editor" in the 1940 census, very on theme – and while Louise returned to Texas (and belonged to the Lubbock Woman`s Club), Mary Elizabeth continued her journalism career with several decades as, among other assignments, the Time-Life Bureau Chief in Mexico.
#clubwomeninhistory #federationfashion #GFWCTexas
For today`s "roaring 20s" fashion exploration, we have the high hemlines, cloche hats, and cute shoes that we expect of the decade, thanks to two teenaged attendees of the 1928 GFWC convention.
This slightly-crumpled newspaper clipping was found in a scrapbook dedicated to the 1928 Biennial in San Antonio, Texas. The caption reads, "Pictured here are two of the youngest of the future club women in attendance at the 19th biennial convention… They are Mary Elizabeth and Louise Fagg of Greenville [Texas], whose mother, Mrs. C.A. Fagg, is president of the third district. Mary Elizabeth will serve as a page during the convention.”
A little research tells us that Mary Elizabeth and Louise moved to New York City as young women – Mary Elizabeth is listed as a "fashion editor" in the 1940 census, very on theme – and while Louise returned to Texas (and belonged to the Lubbock Woman`s Club), Mary Elizabeth continued her journalism career with several decades as, among other assignments, the Time-Life Bureau Chief in Mexico.
#clubwomeninhistory #federationfashion #GFWCTexas
It`s time to join another #ArchivesHashtagParty! To be honest, our #ArchivesPets content is a bit lacking… but "Clubwoman" Magazine comes to the rescue with this cover photo from October 1957, a Community Affairs-centered issue.
📷"On our cover: The most important part of our community is the child, for it is she who will guide and control the community of the future. Creating a secure home atmosphere, a healthy outlook on life, offering spiritual training and guidance, and establishing libraries and recreational facilities, are part of community growth we must constantly nurture."
-"General Federation Clubwoman," Vol. 37 No. 7
#clubwomeninaction
It`s time to join another #ArchivesHashtagParty! To be honest, our #ArchivesPets content is a bit lacking… but "Clubwoman" Magazine comes to the rescue with this cover photo from October 1957, a Community Affairs-centered issue.
📷"On our cover: The most important part of our community is the child, for it is she who will guide and control the community of the future. Creating a secure home atmosphere, a healthy outlook on life, offering spiritual training and guidance, and establishing libraries and recreational facilities, are part of community growth we must constantly nurture."
-"General Federation Clubwoman," Vol. 37 No. 7
#clubwomeninaction
To us today, a 1920s outfit requires a long beaded necklace – pearls if possible. Will our “real world clubwomen of the ‘20s” survey bear this out? It will! Here are just twelve examples, easily found with a glance through issues of magazine from 1928. (I’ll pop the full photos, with names, into our Instagram Stories.) #federationfashion #clubwomeninhistory
To us today, a 1920s outfit requires a long beaded necklace – pearls if possible. Will our “real world clubwomen of the ‘20s” survey bear this out? It will! Here are just twelve examples, easily found with a glance through issues of magazine from 1928. (I’ll pop the full photos, with names, into our Instagram Stories.) #federationfashion #clubwomeninhistory
It`s a sad fact that our 1920s photos fail to show the full technicolor glory of GFWC fashions from that era. Problematic when using them to plan your Roaring 20s attire! Never fear, we`ll intersperse our black-and-white examples with appropriate illustrations, such as these ladies from the 1923 Butterick patterns summer catalog. If you had to choose, would you go with the blue or the yellow?
GFWC historical note: Clubwoman Ellen Demorest (1824-1898) is often credited as the true inventor of paper patterns… but as she never took steps to protect her innovation, the Butterick name is the one we know today.
It`s a sad fact that our 1920s photos fail to show the full technicolor glory of GFWC fashions from that era. Problematic when using them to plan your Roaring 20s attire! Never fear, we`ll intersperse our black-and-white examples with appropriate illustrations, such as these ladies from the 1923 Butterick patterns summer catalog. If you had to choose, would you go with the blue or the yellow?
GFWC historical note: Clubwoman Ellen Demorest (1824-1898) is often credited as the true inventor of paper patterns… but as she never took steps to protect her innovation, the Butterick name is the one we know today.
It`s time to start thinking about what to pack for our annual Convention! This year, one of the evening events has a "Roaring `20s" theme. Forget what online retailers want to sell you – the WHRC is ready to show you what clubwomen were *really* wearing in the 1920s. What can we say, we`re here to crush your dreams of fringed flapper dresses… I mean, we`re here to help. [P.S. don`t let us crush your Gatsby-era dreams!]
Let`s kick things off with this photo of GFWC leaders at a Washington, DC parade in 1927. There are some delightful hats to choose from here, plus some charming neckline and pattern options. See anything that strikes your fancy?
It`s time to start thinking about what to pack for our annual Convention! This year, one of the evening events has a "Roaring `20s" theme. Forget what online retailers want to sell you – the WHRC is ready to show you what clubwomen were *really* wearing in the 1920s. What can we say, we`re here to crush your dreams of fringed flapper dresses… I mean, we`re here to help. [P.S. don`t let us crush your Gatsby-era dreams!]
Let`s kick things off with this photo of GFWC leaders at a Washington, DC parade in 1927. There are some delightful hats to choose from here, plus some charming neckline and pattern options. See anything that strikes your fancy?