The GFWC Delaware State Federation of Women’s Clubs had its beginning in January, 1889, with the formation of the Wilmington New Century Club.  Six weeks later at a meeting in New York City, this new club joined the newly organized General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC).  The motive and purposes of women’s clubs made an instant appeal to the women of Delaware, and the club movement spread rapidly over the state.  On the 9th Anniversary of the Wilmington New Century Club in January, 1898, the Delaware State Federation of Women’s Clubs was organized.  The name was later changed to GFWC Delaware State Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC DSFWC), which we used when referring to the State Federation.  Presently, we are referred to by state name, GFWC Delaware.

THE HISTORY OF GFWC

In 1868 journalist Jane Cunningham Croly was refused admission to a dinner given by the Press Club of New York honoring Charles Dickens because she was a woman.  Her indignation was such that she interested some of her friends in forming a club for women in 1868, which was named Sorosis (an aggregate of many fruits).

In 1889, Sorosis members proposed a conference of women’s clubs to pursue the cause of federation.  A conference was held in New York City on March 29, 1889, with the goal of preparing a constitution for ratification the following year.  In 1890, Sorosis was 22 years old with 97 other such clubs in existence in different states.

On April 23-25, 1890, 63 delegates from 17 states met in New York City.  On April 24, 1890, the constitution was ratified.  This created the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, and Charlotte Emerson Brown of New Jersey was elected as the first President.  On December 29, 1893, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs was incorporated in Newark, New Jersey. 

The establishment of a permanent headquarters in Washington, D.C., was considered in 1920.  A beautiful historic site was located at 1734 N Street NW, in Washington, and fundraising for its purchase began.  Their goal was achieved in 1922 when the building, known as the General Nelson A. Miles mansion, was sold to GFWC for $70,000.

The GFWC enduring motto - “Unity in Diversity” - was first stated in 1889 by Ella Dietz Clymer, President of Sorosis.  She told those pioneering clubwomen, “We look for unity, but unity in diversity; we hope that you will enrich us by your varied experiences, and let us pledge ourselves to work for a common cause, the cause of united womanhood throughout the world.”