Our Mission
In 1922, over a thousand Lancaster suffragettes gathered to form the first Women's Republican Club in PA. They wanted a Republican Club because the Republican Party had always support women's suffrage, as well as the abolition of slavery. A lot has changed since that first meeting, but what hasn’t changed is our mission.
WRC Mission:
To support and strengthen the Republican Party, to advance women in political knowledge and activity, and to promote honest government and unselfish patriotism.
Today, our mission is even more needed, and we’re so glad you’re joining us. We stand on the shoulders of our visionary predecessors to organize events, introduce candidates, educate the public, promote the Republican ideals of freedom and liberty, help with campaigns, and support Republican women running for office.
Program Types
Educational: expert lectures, tours and gatherings to share conservative content. Open to members and non-members to help support better understanding of key policies and issues relevant today.
Action: promote our elected officials and endorsed candidates in their campaigns every election.
Social: opportunities to have fun with others in the region.
Kid's Club: events and educational opportunities to teach our children about government and politics while having fun.
2024 Events
Thu, May 09LancasterMay 09, 2024, 6:30 PMLancaster, 2260 Erin Ct, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA
Thu, Jun 06LancasterJun 06, 2024, 6:30 PMLancaster, 2260 Erin Ct, Lancaster, PA 17601, USAJun 06, 2024, 6:30 PMLancaster, 2260 Erin Ct, Lancaster, PA 17601, USAPart of our Series on Threats in Our Country: The drugs in Lancaster County: highlighting different drugs, how they are packaged and hidden, trafficked and distributed. Detective Anthony Lombardo shares his experiences from 12 years in undercover narcotics here in Lancaster County. Kids welcome.
Sun, Aug 18GettysburgAug 18, 2024, 9:00 AM – Aug 19, 2024, 7:00 PMGettysburg, 95 Presidential Cir, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
Sat, Sep 07Location is TBDSep 07, 2024, 12:00 PMLocation is TBD
Sat, Sep 21LancasterSep 21, 2024, 10:00 AMLancaster, 2260 Erin Ct, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA
Sat, Dec 14Bent Creek Country ClubDec 14, 2024, 10:00 AMBent Creek Country Club
Date and time is TBDLancasterDate and time is TBDLancaster, 2260 Erin Ct, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA
Did You Know:
The Republican Party pioneered the right of women to vote by introducing the 19th amendment in 1878. Republicans continued to support women's suffrage throughout the very long campaign for acceptance. Finally, when the Republican Party regained control of Congress in 1919, the Equal Suffrage Amendment passed. During all those years, the Democrats fought women's suffrage just like they fought the abolition of slavery.
But even before the passage of the 19th amendment, women were attracted to the Republican Party because of its anti-slavery stance. That's why the Republican Party attracted reformers like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucy Stone. All of these women identified themselves as Republicans.
History
In the summer of 1922, a group of women made plans to gather other civic-minded women such as themselves into one large Republican Club for Lancaster County. Having helped Republican candidates and worked hard to fight for their right to vote, these ladies were already politically active. The founders of our club were Mrs. Charles Stauffer, Mrs. Bernard J. Myers, Mrs. I.H. Herr and Mrs. Mary S. Long. They printed an invitation in the local newspaper urging women to attend the first meeting of the Women’s Republican Club of Lancaster County (WRC) on October 3, 1922. 1,000 women attended this meeting at the Brunswick Hotel in Downtown Lancaster and the Women’s Republican Club was born. Membership peaked in 1972 at 3,500 members.
For decades, members of the WRC have engaged in projects to introduce candidates to the electorate, preparing and supporting women to hold public office, and supporting Republican principles.
In February 1923, the Pennsylvania Council of Republican Women was organized in Harrisburg, PA with the goal of uniting all Women Republican Clubs throughout the state. In February 1926, the WRC of Lancaster County became a part of the Pennsylvania Council of Republican Women. The name was later changed to the Pennsylvania Federation of Republican Women.
DO YOU KNOW
The Republican Party consistently supported women’s suffrage throughout the 72-year campaign to win the vote. Republicans also advocated for the abolition of slavery, for equal rights and for the principle of equal pay for equal work.
A BIT OF HISTORY
In September 1922, two years after the 19th amendment guaranteed American women the vote, Lancaster suffragettes met with Governor Pinchot, who had served as a vice-president of Men for Suffrage, to discuss forming a Republican Women’s Club. They wanted a Republican Women’s Club because the Republican Party had always supported the fight for women’s suffrage. On October 3, 1922, 1,000 former suffragettes formed the club.
TODAY
We stand on the shoulders of our visionary predecessors to organize events, introduce candidates, educate the public, promote the Republican ideals of freedom and liberty, help with campaigns, and support Republican women running for office.
About WRC
REPRESENTATIVE
MINDY FEE
"WRC is a wonderful place for women to learn about candidates, to build relationships with like-minded women, and most importantly, to find out how they can be more involved in creating good government for our families and communities.
SENATOR
SCOTT MARTIN
"As we aim for our mutual goals of protecting freedom, limiting government, and unleashing our citizens potential, we need to keep growing our movement. Women play such a critical role in that, and a strong and vibrant WRC will foster that.
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REPRESENTATIVE
BRETT MILLER
"From the Suffragettes to today, the WRC is a great organization that has been- and will remain - a powerful force for good here in Lancaster.
COMMISSIONER
JOSH PARSONS
"I appreciate all that WRC has done over the years to support Republican candidates and conservative causes. The work that WRC members do helps to keep Lancaster County such an incredible place to live, work, and raise a family.
US REPRESENTATIVE
LLOYD SMUCKER
"It is an honor to serve and represent the Women's Republican Club of Lancaster County, an organization that was instrumental in the suffrage movement bringing equality and the right to vote to women across the county, commonwealth and country. I'm thankful for their actions and continued support of conservative women throughout Lancaster County.
Meet The Leadership Team
Anne Rivers
President
Cathy Hecker
First Vice President
Lisa Colon
Second Vice President
Carley Smith
Treasurer
Kara Hayes
Recording Secretary
Kelly Osborne
Recording Secretary
Amber Martin
Advisor
Ann Hess
Advisor
Marianne Clay Strtmatter
Advisor
Executive Board Meetings
May 9: 5:30pm
June 6: 5:30pm
Gallery
Lancaster Women's Republican Club Supports America
Lancaster Women's Republican Club Supports America
