The Ely Branch of the America Association of University Women (AAUW) celebrates its 100th Anniversary in 2026.
One hundred years ago 24 charter members met at Ely Memorial High School with the purpose “to give the college women of Ely more opportunity to become acquainted, to exchange ideas and to cooperate with the National organization on a program of work having local and national application.”
Throughout its history, the Ely branch has worked in support of the mission of the nonpartisan AAUW National organization, founded in 1881, for advancing gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy.
To that end, the Ely branch currently provides more than $8,000 annually for women and girls that include: funding for non-traditional college students; women entering the trades; young women writers; STEM camps and a leadership conference at the University of Maryland.
It has held community events that provide education regarding such topics as gender pay inequity, human trafficking awareness and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relations as well as hosting candidate forums and assisting with voter registration.
Since its formation, the AAUW Ely Branch has had many notable achievements in the community, including initiating the organization of the Ely PTA, starting the first recycling center in Ely in the 1970s and hosting “Northwoods Nights” community events during the summer months throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s, in collaboration with the Ely Chamber of Commerce. These events drew average audience attendance of between 500 and 700 community members and tourists and featured a variety of educational and cultural events.
The members of the AAUW Ely Branch will celebrate a century of action and advocacy at their regular branch meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, affirming a commitment to continue working for equity for all people.
If you’re interested in more information about the AAUW Ely Branch, you can visit the website at Ely Branch - AAUW of Minnesota.
