Since 1886
Women rising to the occasion
In 1886, Clara Parsons Bourland and 26 other members established Peoria Women’s Club to inspire women to lead and serve the community. They built a breeding ground for political and civic leadership in early struggles for women’s equality.
Since then, Peoria Women’s Club has been providing PWC members and members of our community the opportunity for education, social development, cultural growth, and an awareness of current civic concerns and public affairs.
building restoration
A Vision for the Future
Peoria Women’s Club (PWC) is grateful and excited about the renewed momentum to restore our building for all generations of women in and around Peoria. Join our community of members — women from all walks of life, ages 20 through 100 — and as donors investing our time, talent, and treasure in the restoration of this historical landmark.
Upcoming PWC Events
CLSC Film Series (Part 1)
April 12 at 11:00am
Join us at the PWC clubhouse for a special film series for the Peoria Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle.
3rd Annual Fundraiser for Woodruff Culinary Arts Program
April 18 at 11:00am
Woodruff students will be prepping, cooking, and serving all of the food and will present a portion of their 2024 competition presentation to those in attendance.
Intercambio: Empowering Emerging Artists and Young Professionals in the Arts
April 24 at 4:30pm
Emerging artists and dynamic young professionals from Greater Peoria will converge for a whirlwind of innovation and inspiration.
CLSC Film Series (Part 2)
April 26 at 11:00am
Join us at the PWC clubhouse for a special film series for the Peoria Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle.
Peoria Women’s Club Coffee
Beans are Just the Beginning
The Peoria Women’s Club Coffee is grown on Finca Santa Rosa in Cauca, Colombia, and produced by Café Santa Rosa in Peoria Heights, Illinois. This coffee was created for the PWC to increase our global impact by helping fund free preventative care clinics, childcare, and sustainable income year-round for women coffee harvesters and their families directly connected to Peoria.
About PWC
PWC Membership
Members of PWC have a direct impact on our local community by supporting organizations throughout the year. Most recently, we have begun hosting an annual Luncheon to support Woodruff Culinary Arts Program.
Building Restoration
At one point, our 432-seat theatre became the cultural hub of Peoria, importing nationally recognized performers and lecturers, and offering performances by the Peoria Symphony (1895), the Amateur Musical Club (1907), and Peoria Players (1919).
Rentals
Our first floor can be rented out for public and private events. Renovated in September 2023, the Dining, Parlor and Kitchen holds up to 140 people comfortably.
Peoria Women’s Club Coffee
The Peoria Women’s Club Coffee is grown on Finca Santa Rosa in Cauca, Colombia, and produced by Café Santa Rosa in Peoria, Illinois. With every purchase, our club receives $10 towards the Restoration of our Kitchen and Pantry.
Honoring Our History
The Peoria Women’s Club is the second oldest continuously occupied, and still operational clubhouse in the United States after the Women’s Club of Wisconsin.
Become a Member
In keeping with the goals and traditions set forth by PWC founders, our members preserve the traditions of the past while incorporating and addressing present day needs, issues and concerns.
We believe by strengthening each other, we can then strengthen our families and communities and create a more inspired everyday life. Membership is open to any woman 18 years or older and includes membership to the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC).
The Event Vendor Showcase is a venture by Peoria Women’s Club to connect local vendors in the event and hospitality industry with one another while simultaneously marketing their services to the general public.
save the date
November 2, 2024
Historic beauty
Join us in our historic downtown Peoria neighborhood.
A community cultural center with its 432-seat theatre and as a contributing entity to the North Peoria Historic District, Peoria Women’s Club is regarded most highly as the mother club of many organizations of the social and cultural life of Peoria.
301 NE Madison Avenue
Peoria, IL 61603
