New England Women's Club facts for kids

The New England Women's Club was an important group for women in Boston, Massachusetts. It started in May 1868. This club was one of the very first women's clubs in the United States. It began just a couple of months after another club called Sorosis started in New York City. These clubs helped women connect and work together.

Portrait of Ednah Cheney, one of the club's founders

Portrait of Caroline Severance, one of the club's founders

A Club for Women's Voices

The New England Women's Club was created by some amazing women. These included Harriet Hanson Robinson, who started the National Woman Suffrage Association of Massachusetts, and Caroline Severance. They worked with Julia Ward Howe to get the club going.

In 1868, the club found its first meeting rooms. They were located behind the popular Tremont House in Boston. On May 30, 1868, the club held its first public meeting. It took place at Chickering Hall.

Growing and Welcoming Members

The club officially became a corporation in 1887. Many important women signed the papers. These included Sarah H. Bradford, Ednah Dow Littlehale Cheney, Lucy Goddard, and Harriet Winslow Sewall. By 1893, the club had about 340 members.

Interestingly, men were allowed to join the club too. Some famous men attended the very first meeting. These included Ralph Waldo Emerson and Thomas Wentworth Higginson. Emerson, along with James Freeman Clarke and Higginson, later became members.

The club also welcomed Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin. She was a publisher and activist. In the mid-1890s, she became the first African-American woman to join the club.

What the Club Did

The New England Women's Club had a clear goal. It wanted to "provide a suitable place of meeting in Boston." It also aimed to "promote social enjoyment and general improvement" for its members.

The club had different committees. These groups focused on "Art and Literature," "Discussions," "Education," and "Work." Every week, members enjoyed "Monday Teas." In its first year, the club even started a school for gardening.

Many interesting talks were held at the club. Both members and invited speakers gave lectures. Some famous speakers in the early years included Louis Agassiz, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr..

Club Homes Over the Years

New Century Building, Huntington Ave., Boston; club headquarters, around 1903

Around 1903, the club moved its main office. It moved from Park Street to a new building. This was the New Century Building on Huntington Avenue. A woman architect, Josephine Wright Chapman, designed it.

In 1909, the club moved again. This time, it went to the new Chauncy Hall Building. This building was at 585 Boylston Street. The club was still there as late as 1922.

Important Members