Celebrating 100 Years!
In 1911, YWCA girls in New Bedford were instructed in first aid, millinery, dressmaking, embroidery, 19th century English literature, poetry, German and French. Today, YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts continues this tradition of empowering young girls though financial literacy opportunities, racial justice education, philanthropy, communication skills and leadership development.
For 100 years, women of all ages and backgrounds have walked through the doors of the YWCA seeking help or giving help to others. One hundred years of women have left an impact on the lives of women in New Bedford and throughout Southeastern Massachusetts through their generous acts of the heart. The leadership of these community women lives in the legacy of the YWCA today. It’s time to honor these women as a part of our community’s rich history and the tapestry of the YWCA.
As we approach the 100th anniversary of YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts, we will unveil many activities throughout the year of this important milestone. Please stay connected to find out what’s in store for our centennial celebration!
100 Women for 100 Years Commemorative Book
The 100 Women for 100 Years commemorative book honors the lives of 100 women. This special book compiles the stories of 100 women who lead, achieve and inspire in a beautiful keepsake that has become a part of the YWCA archives.
100th Anniversary Christmas Ornament
Please consider purchasing your own Christmas ornament for just $15.
Mass. Memories Road Show
YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts was recently a partner in the Mass. Memories Road Show hosted at the New Bedford Historical Society on April 23, 2011–just after we celebrated our 100th Birthday on April 11th!
YWCA participated in the event in sharing three photos of our history. You can view those photos and others online now by clicking here.
There is a photo of the very first home of the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts –incorporated then in 1911 as the Young Women’s Christian Association (Y.W.C.A) of New Bedford. The YWCA in its earliest years was housed in a series of homes that lined the block meeting at the corner of Pleasant Street and Spring Street. This photo is of the main building on the corner of Pleasant Street and Spring Street. In 1917, a lively fire started in the basement of this building that no longer exists today. It was replaced with the building that became the YWCA’s new home on that same corner. The YWCA operated out of that building on 66 Spring Street from 1924-1996. Today that building still stands with the name Young Women’s Christian Association carved over the door, but it now houses Nativity Preparatory School. Since 1996, the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts has operated out of the historic Levi Standish House on the corner of South Sixth Street and School Street, though the YWCA has owned the building since 1979. Throughout its impressive 100 year history, the YWCA has had a home on this same city block.
You will also find a photo of a number of the YWCA’s past presidents standing on the steps of the Levi Standish House. Today’s home of the YWCA, the red brick Federal style mansion was built in 1825. The building has only had three owners–the Levi Standish family, who owned the home from 1825-1916; the New Bedford Women’s Club, who purchased the home on April 15, 1916 (the Y.W.C.A. of New Bedford had just been founded five years earlier in their own backyard). The YWCA purchased the Levi Standish House from the New Bedford Women’s Club in 1979 and made it the organization’s main headquarters. Since 1911, 37 women have served as the organization’s President. Pictured in this photo, taken in 1984, are Bonnie Werly, Sister Rosellen Gallogly, Mabel Whitaker, Marjorie Jenney, Brenda Dixon, Dorotha Drinkwater, Rosemary Medeiros Saber, Dr. Florence Mahon, Hester Sears and Louise Sawyer.
The third photo captures our celebration of today–100 years! Pictured in this photo, standing in what functions today as the conference room of the Levi Standish House, are current President, Jan Baptist and Executive Director, Gail M. Fortes cutting the cake on the day of our 100th birthday–April 11, 2011.