The origins of the Kearney Woman's Club started in 1888 under the name The Clio Club. It shortly changed its name to the 19th Century Club. However, in 1911, the 19th Century Club became a charter member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC). GFWC was founded in 1890 and is an international women's organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. GFWC members work in their own communities to support the arts, preserve national resources, advance education, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage civic involvement, and work toward world peace and understanding. Our club is also part of the NFWC, the Nebraska Federation of Women's Clubs.

GFWC Kearney Woman's Club was incorporated in 1930. The Club meets monthly at a home that was a memorial gift from Mrs. Maren Downing Morrison. In March 1931 the Kearney Woman's Club was notified the Downing-Morrison home would eventually be gifted to the Club. The Club received its full title and deed in 2004. The home was placed on the National Register of Historic Buildings in January 1981. Because the Kearney Woman's Club did not own the home prior to this time and the family did not live in the home, maintenance and repairs to the home were minimal. The owners would send money from time to time, which generally amounted to paying for the insurance on the home. Since the Club has received full title to the home, the members have been continually working to repair, restore, and maintain this beautiful Victorian home. Not all Women's Clubs own their homes so along with doing our club projects, we are responsible for maintaining the home. Because of donations and grants generous given by those who participate in Give Where You Live and fundraising projects that club members have been a part of, we have been able to complete the following renovations since the 1990's to the present:
1. New Roof
2. New cypress wood porch
3. New paint - exterior
4. Electrical and plumbing updates
5. Heating and air conditioning for the upstairs
6. Bathroom renovation
7. Window renovations
8. New sidewalks
9. New floor in the kitchen
10. Yard beautification
11. New kitchen cupboards, countertops and drawers
12. Replaced ceiling in the living room. 2017
13. The downstairs bathroom was remodeled March 2018
14. Restored the unique original front door of the home. 2023
15. Repaired heating and air conditioning upstairs. 2023
16. Paid to have 7 large trees professionally trimmed. 2022
17. Replaced upstairs AC unit. 20224

Membership is open to women of all ages in the community and surrounding area who are interested in making the community a better place through volunteerism. Annual dues are collected which benefit our club projects, the Nebraska State Federation of Women's Clubs, and the General Federation of Women's Clubs. All members help with our projects as they are able. We currently have 41 members. Anyone wishing to learn more about the Kearney Woman's Club may call Lisa Atchison, President at 308-991-2353 or Mary Beth Lowe at 308-233-2762