HerStory Series

Discovering the women, stories, and history preserved in the Marion Women's Club archives.

More Than a Club. A Part of History.

The Marion Women's Club archives hold more than meeting minutes and photographs. They tell the story of women who shaped Marion, Ohio, and their communities through generations of service, advocacy, education, and civic involvement.

Through HerStory, we are sharing pieces of those archives and exploring the connections between local, state, and national history.

Explore the HerStory Collection

Bird Conservation & the Club

Have you ever wanted to hug a bird? Well, today for National Hugging Day, our HerStory describes a metaphorical hug that the Marion Women's Club gave to Migratory Birds in 1917. The Federation of Women's Clubs of Ohio had a special department dedicated to Conservation of wildlife, and this was one of the steps the […]

Mary Ellen Withrow

In honor of our local legend, and friend: The HerStory of leadership: From local service to the national stage, Marion club women have long shown how dedication and integrity can open doors at every level of government. Their journeys reflect the power of steady public service — proving that leadership rooted in community can shape […]

The Club & the Baby Boom

During the post-war baby boom, communities across the nation faced crowded classrooms and growing demands for education. Marion’s club women stepped forward, lending their voices to support the future of local schools and affirming that every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive.

Early Meeting Spaces of the Club

Have you made your resolutions for the new year yet? The Marion Women's Club had a resolution in 1915 of finding a new home for our organization. This HerStory helps to explain the importance of the Barlow Home to the Marion Women's Club. As seen here, members would meet in places like the Carnegie Library […]

Decorating for Christmas in 1957

As we celebrate Christmas, our HerStory calls back to generations of Club women who lifted their community through compassion and service. Their holiday spirit, rooted in giving, continues to guide us every December. See the Art Club creating Christmas crafts on the third floor of the Marion Women's Club Home in 1964!

Books to the Tuberculosis Hospital

This HerStory reminds us that women’s clubs have long stepped in where care was needed most, especially around the holidays. In the early 1900s, clubwomen across Ohio supported patients battling tuberculosis by providing comfort, education, and connection through donated books — and Marion’s contribution stood out as a shining example of generosity. On the left, […]

Marion Arts Club

HerStory continues: Long before galleries and community arts programs were common, Marion’s club women were already championing creativity. Their early partnerships with local educators helped spark a tradition of celebrating the arts that still shapes our community today. If you are interested in requesting some time to research in the Marion Women's Club Archives, please […]

Mrs. W.L. Stump & Marion High School Benches

Mrs. Stump, seen here in the 1930's, noted to the club historian that several of these benches mysteriously disappeared (believed to be stolen), leaving only two remaining by the next year!

Mr. S.E. Barlow

From roses to remembrance — Mr. S.E. Barlow’s devotion to this land still blooms at the Marion Women’s Club Home, where care and legacy continue to grow. The HerStory behind Mr. Barlow? A true supporter of the women who founded our Club — and the man who left us the home we still cherish today. […]

Marion Women's Club & Warren G. Harding Home

When the Harding Home became a museum in 1926, Marion’s club women played a vital role — selling tickets and welcoming the public for the very first tours. Their work honored Florence Harding, a First Lady remembered for her strong public voice and her efforts to uplift women’s roles in civic life and national service. […]

Mrs. Florence Head, Ohioana Library

HerStory continues: The Ohioana Library Association, founded in 1929, became a lasting tribute to Ohio’s literary talent — preserving works by authors with roots in the Buckeye State. From poets to novelists, their stories found a home thanks to visionaries like Mrs. Florence Roberts Head of the Marion Women’s Club.

Mrs. Carrie Durr & Immigration

Introducing HerStory — our new post series sharing the incredible stories of the women behind the Marion Women’s Club & Home. Their impact helped shape Marion, and their legacy continues to guide us today! Seen below is Mrs. Carrie Durr with her son, Frank, and her daughter, Eleanor. To learn more about Carrie, or about […]

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