History:

The Century Club was established in 1895 by a woman of vision named Mercy Annie Allen Trapnell. It was a time when women had not been received into full intellectual equality with men. Ms. Trapnell, knowing there were other women who shared her interest in books and study, invited twenty-five friends to become the charter members of the Shakespeare-Browning Class. These twenty five friends invited three friends each. When they met in one place there were a hundred women searching for culture, self-improvement and knowledge. They called themselves "The Century Club".

In the beginning membership was limited to 100, but by 1908 the membership increased to 250 women. Throughout the past 110 years, the Century Club has been an active, significant part of our community as well as a vital influence in the lives of many. The Century Club is a member of a larger organization from which it gets its structure and direction. The General Federation of Women's Clubs is an impressive worldwide organization.

In January of 1934, after meeting in various locations in Amsterdam, the club house was formally opened. Over the years it has held concerts, theater productions, blood drives, health fairs, wedding receptions and many community events. The Century Club's milestones and accomplishments include establishing the free milk program to kindergartners, the bird sanctuary at Sassafras Park, and the "Welcome to Amsterdam" signs.

The goal of the Century Club was and still is the mental, moral and social development of its members and the civic improvement of the community. We sponsor annual scholarships, support the arts, and participate in community projects that promote friendship and understanding within the community. We are women from all walks of life, race and cultures, who come together to make our home, community and world a better place to live.