Past & Future
In March of 1907, Mrs. Albert Rankin and Mrs. Charles Keyes, Sr. approached Miss Gratia Countryman, Chief Librarian of the Minneapolis Public Library, about a new kind of woman's organization. Weeks later, 25 influential women were invited to convene in Miss Countryman's library office, and The Woman's Club of Minneapolis was born. Through the years, the Club has been recognized repeatedly for its civic and charitable works, and the Clubhouse, built in 1928, has been designated by the city of Minneapolis as a historic building.
Today, our 700 members—women and men with diverse backgrounds and interests—embrace and advance the same mission of collegiality and community service that has defined our organization for 100 years:
| The Woman's Club of Minneapolis is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable and education purposes, civic and social services, study and friendly association. |
- Click on a highlighted phrase in the mission copy to learn more about the Club's efforts in that area.
In 2006-2007, the Club is hosting a variety of events to celebrate our centennial year.
Today, at 100 years old, The Woman's Club of Minneapolis is more vital and dynamic than ever. The Club is enjoying a resurgence—and an infusion of new energy, passion and talent.
We invite anyone who is intrigued or inspired by our mission, which is further articulated and expanded below, to consider becoming a member.
Through the years, The Woman's Club of Minneapolis has had a substantial charitable impact. The Club supports and partners with carefully selected nonprofit agencies working for the betterment of Twin Cities women and children—and has contributed nearly $4 million to these causes. In 2006, the Club distributed $90,000 in grants and scholarships, with funds generated by members and through major fund-raising events, including The Woman's Club Annual Gala, an all-day social and educational event called Spring Up! and Tulips Are Trump, the spring bridge event. Learn more about our grantmaking activities and charitable initiatives on our community outreach page.
For decades, the Club has offered weekly programs and stimulating classes—both day and evening—by speakers of local, national and international importance. Special-interest groups include an Environment-Garden Committee, a writer's group, four book discussion groups and an evening Salon where serious subjects are studied, discussed and often disputed. A well-stocked Circulating Library offers the best of classic and current reading.
The Woman's Club of Minneapolis has long been an innovator of vital social service programs and a motivating force for members' engagement in the community; especially volunteer services to organizations that receive our grants. The Woman's Club of Minneapolis occasionally becomes directly involved in civic improvement. In the 1970s, the Club restored the Ard Godfrey House, the oldest frame residence in Minneapolis, and today maintains it as a historic site. In recent years, the Club made a permanent contribution to the renewal of Loring Park by sponsoring the beautifully designed viewing pier on the lake. The Woman's Club also regularly rents our Theatre for performances by groups of all kinds. Check the calendar to learn about upcoming events.
From 1907 to the present day, The Woman's Club of Minneapolis has remained a place where lasting friendships are born and nurtured. Recently, with a new generation of members from the business and professional world, networking seems to be the byword of the day. The weekly Thursdays @ 5 in the Lounge attracts women (and a few men) on their way home from the office for an hour or two of conversation and refreshment before moving on to evening plans. The newer Breakfast Networking Group meets monthly for breakfast, a brief talk by a member or guest and an optional half hour for serious visiting—business or otherwise.