New Century Guild
Called the women's history landmark hidden in plain sight, The New Century Guild was a historic organization with a focus on women's education and social services.
Built in the early 1880's, the guild was constructed in a time when women "couldn’t vote, couldn’t own property once married, and were regularly refused service in hotels, clubs, restaurants and stores … unless, of course, they were accompanied by a man."
Its primary mission was to provide educational and vocational opportunities to women who sought to improve their economic and social status. This included offering classes, training, and support in various fields. The organization was closely aligned with the women's suffrage movement and advocated for women's rights, including the right to vote. It actively supported women's suffrage efforts and other social and political causes that aimed to improve the status of women.
In addition to education, the New Century Guild provided social services to women in need. This included assistance with employment, housing, and other social and economic support.
The organization was headquartered at 1307 Locust Street in Philadelphia, which is in the Center City district of the city.
A haven for working women, the hundreds of "members — many of whom rallied around the most progressive causes of the day, from women’s suffrage to labor reform — dined here together, organized for their causes, sat in on lectures, worked for charities, and generally looked after one another."
The New Century Guild is now a hotel.
Photo credit: Pennsylvania Historic Preservation