1. A Historic Beginning
In 1924, the Junior League of Philadelphia (JLP) set out to preserve history by becoming the guardian of Sweetbriar Mansion in Fairmount Park. By 1928, the League had raised the necessary funds to restore and establish the mansion as its headquarters, marking the beginning of its legacy in historic preservation.
In 1924, the Junior League of Philadelphia (JLP) set out to preserve history by becoming the guardian of Sweetbriar Mansion in Fairmount Park. By 1928, the League had raised the necessary funds to restore and establish the mansion as its headquarters, marking the beginning of its legacy in historic preservation.
2. The Birth of a Legacy
While Sweetbriar served as the League’s home, JLP’s impact extended far beyond its walls. In 1945, members launched the Children’s Outgrown Shop, a small resale initiative that would later grow into the JLP Thrift Shop—now the organization’s largest asset and primary fundraiser.
While Sweetbriar served as the League’s home, JLP’s impact extended far beyond its walls. In 1945, members launched the Children’s Outgrown Shop, a small resale initiative that would later grow into the JLP Thrift Shop—now the organization’s largest asset and primary fundraiser.
3. A Move Toward Growth
As JLP expanded its mission and membership, it became clear that Sweetbriar, while historic, no longer met the organization’s evolving needs. In 1937, the League moved to the Warwick Hotel in Rittenhouse Square, then to the Free Quaker Meeting House in 1965 near Independence Hall, and finally in 1998, the League moved its headquarters to Ardmore, Pennsylvania, to create a more accessible and functional space for its members.
As JLP expanded its mission and membership, it became clear that Sweetbriar, while historic, no longer met the organization’s evolving needs. In 1937, the League moved to the Warwick Hotel in Rittenhouse Square, then to the Free Quaker Meeting House in 1965 near Independence Hall, and finally in 1998, the League moved its headquarters to Ardmore, Pennsylvania, to create a more accessible and functional space for its members.
4. A Major Investment in the Future
In 2014, JLP launched a $1.4 million Centennial Campaign for Building Community. This initiative, funded primarily by members, led to a complete renovation of the Ardmore headquarters, ensuring it could serve as a modern hub for collaboration, leadership, and community engagement.
In 2014, JLP launched a $1.4 million Centennial Campaign for Building Community. This initiative, funded primarily by members, led to a complete renovation of the Ardmore headquarters, ensuring it could serve as a modern hub for collaboration, leadership, and community engagement.
5. A Space Designed for Impact
Today, the headquarters at 27 Lancaster Avenue is more than just a Thrift Shop and office—it is a central gathering place where members come together for training sessions, committee meetings, and planning initiatives that drive JLP’s mission forward.
Today, the headquarters at 27 Lancaster Avenue is more than just a Thrift Shop and office—it is a central gathering place where members come together for training sessions, committee meetings, and planning initiatives that drive JLP’s mission forward.
6. Empowering Members
The headquarters offers dedicated workspaces, a members’ lounge, and access to organizational archives, providing resources that support both leadership development and meaningful volunteer efforts.
The headquarters offers dedicated workspaces, a members’ lounge, and access to organizational archives, providing resources that support both leadership development and meaningful volunteer efforts.
7. Strengthening Community Connections
Located in the heart of Ardmore, the JLP headquarters serves as a bridge between the organization and the greater Philadelphia area, fostering partnerships and ensuring the League’s continued impact for years to come.
Located in the heart of Ardmore, the JLP headquarters serves as a bridge between the organization and the greater Philadelphia area, fostering partnerships and ensuring the League’s continued impact for years to come.