The Local Progressive Movement

The Willimantic Woman’s Club was one of the first branches of the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs, The national group was formed during the Progressive movement and their intention was to promote women’s rights and give women a place to voice their needs in society. There were over 3000 branches in the United States. The Willimantic Woman’s Club was founded in 1890 and ran for 105 years, its last year being 1995. It was one of the pioneers for women's clubs in Connecticut. At its time of founding, there were sixteen charter members and the annual fee was $2. The original constitution of the organization states that “the object of this club shall be to first awaken to thought and action the women of Willimantic and create an organized center for the development thereof. Second, to inform ourselves not only upon subjects of present general interest, but also upon the important special questions which involve the welfare of humanity.” The club had three separate departments, Arts & Sciences, History, and Social Entertainment. These departments each had committees to organize events and find knowledge for the club. Member of the Willimantic community and author of  A Modern History of Windham County Connecticut: A Windham County Treasure Book Allen Lincoln. stated in 1920 that “few similar organizations have shown more intelligence, persistence and sustained interest than has this club during its year of active service.”