History

90 Years of History in the Making

Excerpts of Presentation by Kathy Silks – National Civil War Museum, 09/24/2011
It’s been said that the good we do lives after us.   That can be true of organizations as well as individuals, and I believe it’s true of us collectively as the Harrisburg Branch of AAUW.  It is a history filled with community enrichment, spotlighting issues affecting women and girls, establishing meaningful connections with key local organizations, giving branch members and area citizens’ opportunities to engage in lifelong learning

1920s

    • 1921 – Branch founded
    • Co-founded Harrisburg Community Theatre
    • Established student college loan fund

1930s

    • Issued report:  Economic and Legal Status of Women
    • Study groups included child psychology, social problems, drama, music, and international relations
    • Formed our own choral group – University Singers

1940s

    • Board members sewed layettes for the Red Cross and branch raised more than $3,000 toward the University Women’s War Relief Fund to aid university women who were war victims and refugees
    • Feeling the economic pinch, the branch raised dues to $7.00
    • Authors Janet Flanner and Frances Parkinson Keyes presented at branch meetings
    • For our 25th anniversary – co-sponsored College Night at local high schools
    • Conducted a Career Night with representatives from more than 75 colleges, universities, and business schools
    • Branch members were active in developing a zoning program for Harrisburg

1950s

    • Launched a fundraising event – used book sale
    • Established poetry recognition contest for young people
    • Co-sponsored “Let’s Read” program for elementary students with Harrisburg Public Library – included six weekly radio broadcasts
    • Sponsored the first of three Allied Arts Festivals at The Forum, the precursors of the Greater Harrisburg Arts Council and the annual Arts Festivals at the State Museum
    • Collaborated with several other branches on a series of neighborhood conferences on such topics as mental health, investments and securities, and facing community problems
    • Branch’s Mental Health Research Committee conducted a survey for the PA Dept. of Public Welfare on the effective utilization of mental health educational materials
    • Co-sponsored (with Tri-County Mental Health Association) monthly lectures by psychologists and psychiatrists
    • Established a speakers bureau featuring forty branch members and covering twenty topical areas
    • Branch membership totaled 455, representing 107 colleges and universities
    • Branch named one of 250 Honor Clubs of America by the Woman’s Home Companion

Click here for the rest of the History Timeline