From its inception in 1888, the National Council of Women of the United States has been an organization noted for its power to unite. At the fortieth year commemoration of the Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention which united women for the first time in our nation's history, the National Council of Women/USA and its counterpart, the International Council of Women were both conceived.

The women behind the driving force for NCW/USA were strong and valiant. Mrs. Francis Willard (1839 - 1898) became the first President of the National Council of Women/USA. Mrs. May Wright Sewall (1844 - 1920), its second President became the moving force and presiding genius behind the Congress of Women at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. During this time, it should also be noted that Julia Ward Howe, one of our founders authored a poem entitled The Battle Hymn of the Republic, which was later set to music as a Civil War Song.

The National Council of Women/USA in those early years helped to persuade women whose interest in reform, that the vote was the most crucial link in the achievement of many essential goals. The Biennial Conventions of the National Council of Women/USA provided regular occasions for the exchange of ideas on numerous issues, from dress reform to women's education. Beyond encouraging the solidarity of women, the National Council of Women/USA served as a forum for the introduction of new ideas in areas such as child psychology, race relations and national peace.

During World War I, the NCW/US played a major role in the women's branch of the National Council Defense.

In 1933, the NCW/.US hosted an International Conference of Women at the Chicago World Fair, where an impressive contingent of minds discussed the economic issues confronting the nation and the world. Since World War II, the National Council of Women/US with the cooperation of its affiliated organizations have continued to foster a strong public conscience among its individual and organizational members.

Today, the United Nations International Hospitality Committee and UN Representatives/Observers continue to cultivate the national and international outlook adopted by our founders.

Inspired by the pioneering spirit of their day, the great and courageous women of the 19th century have established for the present NCW/USA membership a firm heritage and tradition as well as a forum through which individuals and member groups may join together for concerted action and influence. The founders are:

• Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906)
• Clara Barton (1821-1912)
• Lucy Stone Blackwell (1818 -1893)
• Julia Ward Howe (1819-1910)
• May Wright Sewell (1844 - 1920)
• Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902)
• Frances Willard (1839 - 1898)

These were all major leaders in our history and internationally as women's rights reformers and activists. Today, we are guided by the original Constitution and mission of the founders of the NCW/USA.