The Women’s Committee of The Philadelphia Museum of Art was founded
in 1883 by Elizabeth Duane Gillespie, a great-granddaughter of
Benjamin Franklin. Mrs. Gillespie was a notable Philadelphian in
her own right who organized many philanthropic endeavors including
the Women’s Pavilion at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. The present
Women’s Committee continues that tradition of community service as
an indep
...
endently chartered volunteer organization dedicated to supporting
the Museum. Today’s Women’s Committee has 45 active members who
produce events such as the annual nationally acclaimed Philadelphia
Museum of Art Craft Show, the biennial Philadelphia Museum of Art
Photography Portfolio Competition, as well as opening night galas
for special exhibitions at the Museum. Over the years the Committee
has also managed projects and events such as Small Indulgences,
ArtWorks, a cookbook, and HolidayCard.
