Annual Meeting
2020 Female Harmony Society Annual Meeting
Saturday, September 9, 2023
9:00-11:00 am
Location: Zoom
Please email Jude Quinn to receive the Zoom link.
Saturday, September 9, 2023
9:00-11:00 am
Location: Zoom
Please email Jude Quinn to receive the Zoom link.
What We Were
The Female Harmony Society was established in July 1814. It was a benevolent society organized by the women of Hanover Street Presbyterian Church "for the purpose of prayer, mutual instruction, and Christian Labor."
What We Are
Inspired by 200 years of services to Delaware's underserved, especially children, the Female Harmony Society continues to strengthen our community by supporting families through community partnerships, financial support, and educational advocacy.
The Female Harmony Society oversees the income from a bequest of a former member of the Society, Elizabeth Caulk, who died in 1839. The bequest is to be used for projects "serving the poor and needy" of the greater Wilmington area, with a smaller portion from the "General Fund" designated for educational projects. The Society also seeks to preserve the history of the Female Harmony Society and the related history of Hanover Street Presbyterian Church.
In past years, grants have been provided to:
In 2020, we were pleased to provide grants to the following agencies and non-profits engaged in serving our community: The Achievers Program, Inc., Delaware Foster Care Transition Center, EDGE for Tomorrow, Family Promise of Northern New Castle County, STEHM, YWCA Home Life Management Center, and Hanover Church Pastor Andy Jacob’s Benevolence Fund.
The Female Harmony Society oversees the income from a bequest of a former member of the Society, Elizabeth Caulk, who died in 1839. The bequest is to be used for projects "serving the poor and needy" of the greater Wilmington area, with a smaller portion from the "General Fund" designated for educational projects. The Society also seeks to preserve the history of the Female Harmony Society and the related history of Hanover Street Presbyterian Church.
In past years, grants have been provided to:
- First Step Children's Center
- Home Life Management program of the YWCA
- Meals on Wheels
- Limen House
- Gateway House
- Project for Domestic Violence
- Hanover's Vacation Bible School
- Foster Care Resource Center
- STEHM
- Hanover's Food Pantry
- Hanover's continuing education fund for Hanover youth
In 2020, we were pleased to provide grants to the following agencies and non-profits engaged in serving our community: The Achievers Program, Inc., Delaware Foster Care Transition Center, EDGE for Tomorrow, Family Promise of Northern New Castle County, STEHM, YWCA Home Life Management Center, and Hanover Church Pastor Andy Jacob’s Benevolence Fund.
Claim to Fame - The Delaware Public School System
One of the first efforts of the Female Harmony Society was the establishment of a Sabbath School in October 1814. According to Hanover's history, the school began with 23 scholars and it has continued in "unbroken session" to this date. It is probably one of the longest in continuous session in the United States.
In 1815, the Society opened a free day school for children. Two years later, the Society petitioned the Delaware legislature for financial aid for the purpose of educating poor children. The petition was first turned down, but in 1820, the legislature passed a general act which appropriated 20¢ per year for each child instructed in the Sabbath schools throughout the State.
In 1818, the Society erected a building for the Sabbath and day school on a lot adjoining the church on Fifth Street. The free day school thus established in 1815 by the Female Harmony Society was the forerunner of the present free public school system in Delaware.
In 1815, the Society opened a free day school for children. Two years later, the Society petitioned the Delaware legislature for financial aid for the purpose of educating poor children. The petition was first turned down, but in 1820, the legislature passed a general act which appropriated 20¢ per year for each child instructed in the Sabbath schools throughout the State.
In 1818, the Society erected a building for the Sabbath and day school on a lot adjoining the church on Fifth Street. The free day school thus established in 1815 by the Female Harmony Society was the forerunner of the present free public school system in Delaware.
Membership
It's easy to become a part of the Female Harmony Society!
Simply speak with a current member, contact President Nancy Long, or complete this form.
Members can pay their $25/year dues online here.
Simply speak with a current member, contact President Nancy Long, or complete this form.
Members can pay their $25/year dues online here.