A United Effort on Both Sides of the “Pond” – Securing a Plaque for Juliette Gordon Low’s Wellesbourne House

by Karen Schillings In the January 2023 historian blog post that I wrote, From Savannah to Wellesbourne, The Story of Juliette Gordon Low in Warwickshire, England, I told the story of why Juliette Gordon Low’s Wellesbourne House was so important to her. I also shared that the dedication of the plaque, which identifies the house … Continue reading A United Effort on Both Sides of the “Pond” – Securing a Plaque for Juliette Gordon Low’s Wellesbourne House

The History Behind World Thinking Day and Girl Scouts

Since 1926 World Thinking Day has been celebrated by Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world on February 22, which is the birthday of both Lord Baden-Powell and Olave Baden-Powell, the founders of Girl Guides.  It was set aside as a day for “Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world think of each … Continue reading The History Behind World Thinking Day and Girl Scouts

An Inside Look at How Council Historians Preserve Our Girl Scout Treasures

Who are the Historians you might ask? The Historian Team at GSGCNWI is made up of 26 volunteers who are interested in the history of Girl Scouts and actively work to preserve and present the story to our community. History of the movement Begun by Juliette Gordon Low on March 12,1912, Girl Scouts quickly spread … Continue reading An Inside Look at How Council Historians Preserve Our Girl Scout Treasures

From Savannah to Wellesbourne, The Story of Juliette Gordon Low in Warwickshire, England

By Karen M. Schillings It may seem curious to discover that the woman who eventually founded the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Juliette Gordon Low, spent a good portion of her life in Wellesbourne, England, in the county of Warwickshire. Most Girl Scouts are familiar with the William and Eleanor Gordon home … Continue reading From Savannah to Wellesbourne, The Story of Juliette Gordon Low in Warwickshire, England

Council Historians Share Beloved Memories from Their Times at Girl Scout Camp

Over the years, forty historical councils have merged into what is now Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.  In that time, Girl Scouts have owned or leased at least 91 camps, program centers and Little Houses. Below, historians share memories of some of their visits to a few of these camps and how … Continue reading Council Historians Share Beloved Memories from Their Times at Girl Scout Camp

Honoring History: Two Families Carry the Girl Scout Torch for Over 50 Years!

As we enter into year 110 of instilling courage, confidence and character in girls, we are always honored to learn how Girl Scouts has made an impact on families and communities throughout the years. Thanks to our council Historians, we are able to share stories of heroism, empowerment, and recollections of heartwarming tales throughout different … Continue reading Honoring History: Two Families Carry the Girl Scout Torch for Over 50 Years!

The Evolution of the Simple Meals Badge

The number of badges offered over the last 110+ years of Girl Scouting is truly amazing. You can find everything from architecture to zoology, but only one badge has survived for 110+ years: the Cook Badge (now known as the Simple Meals Badge). Several other badges have had a long tenure. The First Aid Badge … Continue reading The Evolution of the Simple Meals Badge

Meet the GSGCNWI Council Historians

If you’ve ever visited the Chicago Gathering Place, you’ll remember the cases that line the hallways, filled with guide books, uniforms, badges, and pins from the past 109 years of Girl Scouting. These artifacts remind our members, visitors, and staff that our history is as important as our future—and who better understands that than our … Continue reading Meet the GSGCNWI Council Historians

Meet the GSGCNWI Council Historians: Part Two!

Last week we met the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Council Historians, a group of dedicated volunteers who work to collect, preserve, and share the history and legacy of Girl Scouts across the nation and in our area. These historians are essential to keeping the heartbeat of our movement strong, and we … Continue reading Meet the GSGCNWI Council Historians: Part Two!