130 years of Florida women showing up.
What started as a small gathering of determined Florida women in the late 1800s became one of the most enduring volunteer organizations in the state. GFWC Florida’s story is not one of buildings or budgets, it’s the story of women who looked at their communities and decided to do something about it, decade after decade, through wars and recessions, hurricanes and change.
Our Journey Through the Years
Explore the rich history of GFWC & GFWC Florida and our milestones in community service.
1868
The spark that started it all
Journalist Jane Cunningham Croly was denied entry to an all-male press club dinner. In response, she founded Sorosis — one of the first professional women’s clubs in America. Her act of defiance planted the seed for a national movement.
1883 – 1891
Florida's first women's clubs take root
The Village Improvement Association (1883) and the Housekeeper’s Club (1891) were among Florida’s earliest organized women’s groups focused on bettering their communities formed before a statewide federation existed to unite their efforts.
April 24, 1890
GFWC is founded
Jane Cunningham Croly’s vision came to life when 63 women’s clubs officially ratified the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. It was the beginning of a national network built entirely on volunteer service.
1895
GFWC Florida is born
The Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs was established, and Florida women wasted no time. Within a few years, clubs were creating traveling libraries to bring books to rural communities and advocating for the Seminole Indians, child labor protections, and compulsory education.
January 25, 1898
Florida joins the national federation
The Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs was officially admitted into GFWC membership, connecting Florida clubs to a growing national movement and broadening their reach to state and national advocacy.
1901
Congress charters GFWC
The 56th Congress of the United States formally chartered GFWC, a recognition of the federation’s growing national influence and the legitimacy of organized women’s civic engagement.
1905 – 1906
Florida Federation takes shape
A new state constitution was adopted and the Florida Federation pin, still a symbol of membership today, was designed and accepted. The federation was growing its identity alongside its impact.
1932
Junior clubs established
GFWC established its Junior Department to welcome a growing number of younger women into volunteer service, a structure that continues to be a cornerstone of GFWC Florida today.
1940s
Serving through World War II
Florida clubs, like their counterparts across the country, turned their energy toward the war effort, supporting service members, families, and communities at a time of great national need.
1983
Juniorettes join the Federation
A new membership level, the Juniorettes, for younger members, was officially welcomed into the Florida Federation structure, extending GFWC’s reach to the next generation of Florida women.
May 1995
100 years — the centennial celebration
GFWC Florida marked its 100th anniversary with a statewide centennial celebration — a moment to honor the generations of Florida women who had given their time, talent, and energy to their communities.
April 24, 2015
GFWC's 125th anniversary
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs celebrated 125 years of uninterrupted volunteer service, one of the longest-running women’s organizations in American history.
January 2025
May Mann Jennings inducted into Florida Women's Hall of Fame
Former First Lady of Florida and GFWC Florida President (1914–1917) May Mann Jennings was posthumously inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame, recognized for her environmental legacy as the “Mother of Florida Forestry” and for co-founding the League of Women Voters of Florida.
2025
130 years and still growing
Today GFWC Florida is home to 171 clubs and more than 8,000 members, volunteering across every county in the state, awarding scholarships, funding conservation projects, and continuing a legacy that began with a small group of determined Florida women 130 years ago.
Be part of the next chapter.
GFWC Florida’s history isn’t archived; it is still being written. Every club project, every scholarship awarded, every woman who steps up to lead adds another chapter to a story that has been unfolding since 1895. We invite you to be part of what comes next.
Find a women’s club near you and join a 130+ year tradition of Florida women serving their communities.