Saluting the History of Girl Scouts

The 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America is being celebrated this year.  Founded by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia in 1912, the movement spread throughout the United States and to many other countries.  

In 1913, the Thistle Troop was formed here in Cheshire, making it the first troop in Connecticut and perhaps the second in the United States. In 1987 Connecticut Girl Scouts celebrated 75 years of Girl Scouting during a daylong event held in Cheshire.  

The late Anne Giddings was a troop leader and coordinator of the event attended by over 500 Girl Scouts. As part of this celebration, local scouts assembled a sizeable exhibit of Girl Scout memorabilia at the library – badges, uniforms, photos, handbooks, etc.   

The is hoping that similar items are still in someone’s attic. To observe this anniversary, the historical society is hosting members of the Girl Scouts who want to learn more about their history.

The society would appreciate a loan or donation of artifacts of Girl Scouting. Volunteers will pick up the loaned or donated items, and will return loaned items safely to their owners. Donated items will become part of the Historical Society’s permanent collection. Donors will receive a signed receipt which can be used for tax purposes.

If you have such items or are interested in learning more about this project, please email Mary Ellen Kania, the curator of the Historical Society’s collections, maryellenkania@cox.net, or Jeanné Chesanow, Town Historian, cheshirehistorian@cox.net.