Of the many archival discoveries unveiled in the forthcoming commemorative volume, the story of costume designer James Bidgood stands apart. A cult photographer, filmmaker, and drag performer, Bidgood designed elaborate gowns and costumes for New York society balls, including the New York Junior League’s 1963 Mardi Gras Ball. A selection of Bidgood’s original designs, inducing his “Metropolitan Opera” gown from 1961, will be featured in “Power of Purpose” and in Friday Flash this coming fall. (Credit: Bonnie Gillis Photography) 

For the past several months, we have celebrated NYJL’s quasquicentennial in a series of articles focusing on particular aspects of our history, including advocacy and community impact. These essays will appear as part of illustrated chapters in the forthcoming commemorative volume, Power of Purpose: 125 Years of the New York Junior League.

Along the way, we have recounted familiar stories as well as a few that have gone under the radar for generations, such as the 1919 controversy surrounding the initial forays into training, which was extensively covered in the New York press at the time. We have celebrated our well-known founder, Mary Harriman, and we have lifted up another who deserves a bit more attention, her co-founder, Nathalie Henderson.

Over the past five months, we have interviewed outside experts, including academics with expertise in philanthropy, settlement houses, and even one who is researching Junior League cookbooks. We spoke with Actives and Provisionals. We photographed volunteers in action, panel discussions, and, of course, the Winter Ball. We pulled scores of photos from the archives and edited them down to a select few. 

Did we cover it all? We most certainly tried. But with such rich archival materials and a robust roster of current activities, we feel we’ve only scratched the surface of our remarkable history. The research team from Tea Over Time uncovered even more, and Robin Rivera’s videos provide original firsthand accounts. 

That’s not to say that our Friday Flash series is finished; there are plenty more surprises to come this fall. As we wind down for the summer, we are delighted to share that three more essays are on their way, including content on pioneering volunteerism, on fundraising and philanthropy, and on influence. Until then, you can get in on the action early by preordering the book here. 

Happy Summer! 

The 125th Commemorative Volume Committee