AMHERST — An open house to recognize the more than 130 years of service the Amherst Woman’s Club has provided to the community is being held Friday afternoon at the 35 Triangle St. mansion its members have called home since 1922.
A garden reception with wine and appetizers at the Hills Memorial Clubhouse, an 1864 Victorian home near the Emily Dickinson Museum, runs from 4 to 6 p.m., and will fit the theme of a continuing legacy for the social and service club, says President Senaida Bautista.
“We are trying to be more proactive in how do we keep the woman’s club there for the next 100 years,” Bautista said, adding that similar clubs nationwide have faced membership challenges.
Bautista said the hope is continue building on what 10 women started in 1893, understanding that the club has been able to survive and grow due to having a house that is also a national historic site. In her time as president over the past two years, the club has grown from 74 members to 145 members, and now stages 80 events per year.
The club is also beginning a 30-year plan to keep the house in good repair, doing fundraising for an architectural study and also investigating whether the adjacent carriage house could be used for functions.
Already, the Amherst Woman’s Club hosts community events including Juneteenth and, from September through May, welcomes the public on the second and fourth Monday afternoons for guest speakers, and offers a second Thursday speaker series where amazing women are highlighted. Cardio dance classes and a bridge club are among other activities.
Sunday concert series sponsored by the club benefit community scholarships and grants that the club hands out.
Other fundraisers are the annual May Flower Show and November wine tasting, and members are working on a January event in which summer music will be played and guests will be encouraged to think warm weather.
The house continues to be rented for weddings, baby showers and memorial services, and other private events, which help to pay for upkeep.
During the open house, the gardens will be showcased. They are cared for by volunteers and a professional landscaper.
Town Council President Lynn Griesemer and Town Manager Paul Bockelman are expected to speak, with the emcee former Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg.
While drop-ins are welcome Friday, RSVPs are suggested by visiting amherstwomansclub.org. Parking will be at the nearby high school.
