The Woman's Club of Louisville History
Organized 1890
Mission
The Woman's Club of Louisville was organized in 1890 for the purpose of
The Woman's Club of Louisville was organized in 1890 for the purpose of
- promoting and supporting civic improvements,
- championing the educational and philanthropic needs of our community - especially for women and children, and
- cultivating the fine arts.
HISTORY
The Woman's Club of Louisville was organized in 1890 by Susan Look Avery. The founders exerted a powerful force in confronting some of the social challenges of the early 19th century. They lobbied and won rights for women-enabling them to own property and have custody of their children in case of a divorce.
The club’s work included cultural activities such as lectures, concerts, and art exhibits. The members also nurtured the founding of new community organizations:
The club’s work included cultural activities such as lectures, concerts, and art exhibits. The members also nurtured the founding of new community organizations:
- The Legal Aid and Protective Committee (later known as the Legal Aid Society)
- Playgrounds and a Children's Library and
- The Red Cross Committee supporting the creation of a branch of the National Red Cross Association in Kentucky.
In the late 40s, the Kiwanis Club and The Woman’s Club co-founded the Louisville Deaf Oral School (Heuser Hearing & Language Academy for hearing impaired children.
Today Club members continue the mission to enrich, improve, inspire, and strengthen the community by supporting many charities, as well as offering weekly programs open to the public and an annual art exhibition.
Today Club members continue the mission to enrich, improve, inspire, and strengthen the community by supporting many charities, as well as offering weekly programs open to the public and an annual art exhibition.