Our History

The Kalmia Club Is Established at a Key Point in U.S. Women’s History

In post-Civil War era America, as the women’s suffrage movement was gaining momentum, a variety of women’s clubs began forming in towns across the country. Women’s clubs provided opportunities for educational and cultural enrichment, and served as a “safe haven” for women to develop as social reformers in their communities. The coming together of women for a common cause was becoming an unstoppable force.

In 1892, during this time of growing social reform, a group of 45 women, educated and established, came together in the small river town of Lambertville NJ with a shared interest in reading and intellectual pursuits. They called themselves "The Reading Circle" and gathered several times a month in one another’s homes to discuss literature, art, gardening, music and drama. Their interests eventually expanded to include topics such as public health, industrial and social conditions, history, and current events. To be asked to join was an honor and women dressed for meetings in hats and gloves. In 1893, they moved their gatherings to the Quaker Meeting House at 39 York Street. The tradition of Monday meetings was established and continues to this day.

A year after organizing, The Reading Circle changed its name to “The Kalmia Club,” after the mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia, which according to Club lore, grew in each of the 43 states in the Union. Its founders envisioned the Club's expansion throughout the country.

Federation

On May 20, 1897, the Kalmia Club became federated as a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (est. 1894), which provides opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service through participation in local clubs, enabling members to make a difference in the lives of others, one project at a time. (See certificate of federation below.)

Through the state federation, the club attained membership in the General Federation of Women's Clubs (est. 1890), an international women's organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.

Clubhouse

On February 1, 1910, the clubhouse was "given and bequeathed" to The Kalmia Club by the Society of Friends, or Quakers. (See the transfer of ownership document below). The Society had used the building as a meeting house for almost 20 years, but now moved across the river due to dwindling membership. The Kalmia Club has met there ever since, except during World War II, when the clubhouse was used by the Red Cross as a surgical dressing station. The club marked this gift with a 100th anniversary celebration in 2010.

Incorporation

On October 1, 1968, the club became incorporated in the state of New Jersey as “Kalmia Club Inc.” and now has 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Formal bylaws were written by which the club is governed under the stewardship of Board Officers and Trustees. A variety of committees, abuzz with activity, bring the club to life.

Recognition

In April 2012, the Kalmia Club was nominated to the National Register as part of the Clubhouses of NJ Women’s Clubs. The club was recognized in the categories of: Social History, Education, and Entertainment/Education—areas which were significant to women’s history in the later 19th century to early 20th century. This nomination also recognized the Kalmia clubhouse as the first local women’s club building in New Jersey.

In 2022, Kalmia Club celebrated its 125th anniversary as a member of both the General Federation and NJ State Federation of Women’s Clubs. Additionally, the clubhouse was marked with a plaque from the U.S. Department of the Interior recognizing its historical designation in the State and National Register of Historical Places.

In 2024, the Kalmia Club received a grant to assist in the club’s ambitious archival preservation plan. Funding for this project was made possible through the sponsorship of the General Mercer Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Today

The Kalmia Club endures as one of the oldest, continuously running women’s clubs in New Jersey. All women are welcome to join. Members include professional women, stay-at-home moms, artists, writers and retired women. While still providing monthly programs of interest on timely topics to its members, today, the club is an active civic force in the community providing scholarships to local high school girls and supporting local charities.

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