History

In 1901, Mary Harriman convened the very first Junior League in New York City. The New York Junior league members volunteered in settlement houses to improve the lives of the city's poorest immigrants.

These very first Junior Leaguers set an historical precedent, the tradition of trained volunteers joining together to tackle society’s toughest and most urgent problems.

Milwaukee soon followed in this tradition. On October 2, 1915, Mrs. William Chester interested ten women in joining her as charter members of the Junior League of Milwaukee. For over 88 years, the Junior League of Milwaukee has grown and is well-known throughout the city as a non-profit which continues to make a difference.

We currently have over 650 members. These women are trained by the Junior League of Milwaukee to be the most effective volunteers ready to respond to the ever-changing needs of this community. We are proud of our many projects that have impacted the community, from our founding participation in the Children’s health education center and the Curative rehabilitation Center, to our founding sponsorship of Gilda’s Club of Southeastern Wisconsin.