The Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys in NorthfieldGirl Scout in front of Scriver Building will host a centennial celebration of Girl Scouts of the USA on Thursday, June 28, from 5-9 p.m. at the Northfield Historical Society.

Dressed in vintage uniforms, local Girl Scouts will kick off the event at Bridge Square with songs, activities, and demonstrations starting at 5 p.m., followed by the opening of an exhibit entitled “Northfield Girl Scouts—Then and Now” at the Northfield Historical Society from 6-9 p.m.  Spectators can try their hand at tying a square knot or learn how to signal flags. The Community Band will play some of the Girl Scouts favorite songs, beginning at 7 p.m.

The “Northfield Girl Scouts—Then and Now” exhibit, which will run through mid-August at the Historical Society, features personal stories and memorabilia from Northfield women who have participated in the all-girl organization throughout the years.  Dating back to 1919, Northfield Girls Scouts has a collection of interesting adventures and stories to share, from camping at Bridge Square in the 1960s to earning top awards and providing important services to our community.

The now 100-year-old organization has been celebrating its achievements and longevity with celebrations across the nation this year.  The first Girl Scouts meeting took place in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, led by founder Juliette Gordon Low.  Since then, more than 50 million girls have participated in the Girl Scout movement, and that number continues to grow as Girl Scouts of the USA continue to inspire, challenge, and empower girls everywhere.  The Northfield Historical Society exhibit will highlight different eras and Girl Scout awards, cookies, troops, and more.

Girl Scouts is the largest and longest-running leadership program for girls in the nation and the world.  Its mission is to develop girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

For more information, contact the Northfield Historical Society or the River Valley Service Center in Northfield.