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History and Accomplishments

Click here for the history and mission of GFWC International.


Founded in 1893 by 23 clubs, with Julia Ward Howe as the first President (1893-1898) and her theme: "To learn, to teach, to serve, and to enjoy," the GFWC of Massachusetts has a long list of milestones and accomplishments, some of which are listed below.


Jointly with GFWC International credited with establishing more than 75% of the nation's libraries.

Purchased 277 acres of prime woodland near Wayside Inn, Sudbury, in 1949. Building of a Headquarters was completed at this site in Memorial Forest in 1987. In 1999 over 200 acres were transferred to Sudbury Valley Trustees for maintenance and preservation of open space.

Raised over $55,000 for the New England Assistance Dog Service Project.

Raised over $30,000 for Talking Information Center for reading service to print-handicapped people.


Raised over $25,000 for an Emergency Medical Assistance Vehicle for the Walter E. Fernald Development Center.

Donated over $24,000 to purchase a van for the Pine Street Inn.

Donated over $15,000 for the Childrens Trust Fund, Family Resource Centers.

In 2000-2002, Massachusetts clubwomen worked 1,745,708 volunteers hours, and gave $1,732,721 to community service with $333,047 in club and state scholarships.

In 2002-2004, Massachusetts clubwomen donated $6,362 and made 2,229 Blankets for "Project Linus". http://www.ProjectLinus.org

In 2004-2006, Massachusetts clubwomen donated an estimated $23,000 in checks and sports equipment to The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc.  http://www.BartonCenter.org/

In 2006-2008, homeless Veterans, Veteran's families, hospitals, and programs were supported with hands-on volunteer assistance and over $24,000 in donations.

In 2008-2010, Massachusetts clubwomen volunteered 350,000 hours in over 3,000 programs, and donatated $600,000.  Also, a Long Range Planning Committee was established and created a long range plan for GFWC of Massachusets, improvements were made at Headquarters, and the Unity Walkway Project was established.

Click here for past Directors of Junior Clubs and their themes.
To offer comments and or to receive more information about our organization  Please contact: Diane Murphy, Director,   or write to: GFWC of Massachusetts, Junior Membership,  P.O. Box 679, Sudbury, MA 01776-0679 GFWC of Massachusetts Headquarters is at  245 Dutton Road, Sudbury, MA.  Click here for directions!