Power of Potential: Photographs of the 1925 National Business and Professional Women’s Convention

View images from the NFBPWC in Portland

View images from the NFBPWC in Portland

Business and Professional Women at Grand Trunk station, Portland, 1925.

Images courtesy of Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Installed at Maine Historical Society from May 1, 2019 to August 25, 2019.

The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) held their seventh annual convention in Portland during July 12 to July 18, 1925. Over 2,000 working women from around the country visited the city. The week’s events included daily conferences, networking opportunities, and social outings highlighting Maine’s “Vacationland.”

By 1925, the NFBPWC was an established, yet new, organization. Founded July 1919 – eight months before the 19th Amendment allocated voting rights for many American women – its mission then and in 2019, is to develop women’s leadership potential and advocate for women in the work place. From suffrage to the glass ceiling, the NFBPWC continues to empower and mentor professional women.

The 1925 national convention drew together a network of women’s professional organizations throughout the United States. During the convention, the Portland Evening Express documented the events, highlighting activities through articles and featured photographs. Images featured in this online exhibition come from Portland Evening Express’ coverage, part of the Portland Press Herald glass negative collection at Maine Historical Society.

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