The Woman’s Club of Evanston: A History documents a unique institution. Founded in 1889 by Elizabeth Harbert, the Woman’s Club of Evanston set out to address community needs, in particular those of the most vulnerable, supporting organizations that deal with housing, education, and health issues of women and children. Today its clubhouse, built in 1913 to provide a center for the Club’s activities, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
 
An exemplar of the women’s club movement, over the course of its long history the Woman’s Club has redirected its efforts in service and philanthropy and adjusted its organization in response to the changing needs of its community. The Charitable Foundation of the Woman’s Club of Evanston was established to support programs that provide a continuity of care and education and address gaps in funding for families in need. In 2010, the Harbert Society was created to recognize individuals who support the Woman’s Club of Evanston and to encourage and document planned gifts.

ERIN HVIZDAK is a reference and instruction librarian at Washington State University. She earned a master of arts in women’s studies and gender studies at Loyola University Chicago.
 
KATHY ROCKLIN is president of the Woman’s Club of Evanston.