All photos and caption text were taken directly from the “We Were Here” exhibit. The exhibit is located in the Norton Center Grand Foyer and is free to the public. It is open Monday-Friday from 9 am-4 pm. For more information, call the box office at 859-236-4692.
At one time, there were over 40 different clubs for women in Danville. Most of them were church groups, but many were social clubs. Most of these social clubs operated on an invite-only basis, and members would go on trips, host dances and have game nights together.
The We Were Here exhibition aims to lay bare, from the perspective of Danville’s African American community, the consequences of urban renewal projects that were carried out in our own Central Kentucky community. Through photographs and oral histories, the exhibition also aims to preserve and represent our region’s vibrant Black history.
Photo Of Celestine #9, Eastern Star Members Taken In 1985 To Commemorate The Lodge’s 100th Anniversary. This Photo Was Taken On The Third Floor Of The Hall, Which Was Only Open To Lodge Members.
The Orchid Girls, Ca. 1966. One Of The Most Active Women’s Groups In The Area. In Later Years, They Almost Regretted Choosing The Expensive Orchid As Their Flower.
One Of Over 40 Black Women’s Social Clubs In Danville, “The Voguettes” Was First Organized At The Home Of Mabel Letcher In March, 1950. Photo Ca. 1950s.
Pictured Are Four Of The Founding Members Of The Domestic Economy Club, Which Organized In 1898. The Purpose Of The Club Was To Encourage Women To Use Money Wisely, Do Charitable Work, And Improve Its Members Morally And Culturally. The Club Was Active From 1898 Until At Least 2007.
