About Us
Welcome to the Civic Club of Harrisburg! We are a dedicated service organization that has been making a positive impact on our beloved city since our debut in 1898. Our mission is to support and initiate community projects, provide scholarships, and foster civility and civil engagement within Harrisburg.
Our Legacy & Mission
From our earliest days, we have been committed to improving the lives of our fellow citizens. Our dynamic group of professional women represents diverse backgrounds, including all political parties and ethnicities. Whether you’re a mother, grandmother, new graduate, or retiree, there’s a place for you here. Our goals remain steadfast: to preserve and celebrate our legacy while advancing the development of our community.
Meet Our President - Contrena Baltimore
Our cherished President, Contrena Baltimore, stands as a beacon of inspiration and history. Breaking barriers, she holds the esteemed title of the first Black woman elected president of the Civic Club of Harrisburg since its founding in 1898. On January 31st, 2022, the board of directors made a heartfelt decision, recognizing not only her leadership abilities but the warmth and dedication she brings to our community.
In a heart-to-heart interview with PennLive in 2022, Contrena shared her humble sentiments, saying, "I’m humbled and honored to be in this position. I recognize what my responsibility is and that is to be trailblazing and make sure that the legacy I leave behind makes a difference in the community."
Meet Our Founder- Mira Lloyd Dock
Mira Lloyd Dock, the visionary behind The Civic Club, played a pivotal role in the City Beautiful movement, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing living conditions in our city. During an era when many cities grappled with inadequate sanitation and lacked green spaces, Dock's collaboration with J. Horace McFarland brought about significant advancements. Together, they spearheaded the establishment of modern sanitation practices and parks, leaving an enduring impact on our community. Today, we carry forward this legacy, actively engaging our members in city boards and committees dedicated to addressing crucial civil issues.
A Historic Beginning
On January 21, 1898, a group of women from Harrisburg’s oldest families gathered at the home of Gabriella Cameron Gilbert on 203 Front Street. Their vision was clear: to form a women’s club dedicated to enhancing the city they loved. This group, composed of some of the best ladies in town, laid the foundation for what would become The Civic Club of Harrisburg.
In 1914, Fleming’s widow, Virginia Hammond Fleming, recognized the club’s importance and bequeathed her property to us. The full title was officially bestowed upon the club in 1916.
Our Commitment
Today, we continue our legacy by networking, connecting, and giving back. We are passionate about our community and strive to create positive change. Join us in becoming a part of history!
Explore our rich history:
Walk Through Our Past: Discover our journey as chronicled by club member Jeanne Schmedlin.
Chronology: Dive into key milestones that shaped our club.
Oral History Interviews: Hear from our Legacy members and learn about their experiences.
Thank you for being a part of The Civic Club of Harrisburg!
Become a Member Today
We are a dynamic group of professional women committed to the communities we live and work in. We represent all political parties and all ethnic backgrounds. We are mothers and we are grandmothers. We are new graduates and retirees. There is a place for all women here. Our goals today are much like those of the past: to preserve and celebrate our legacy and heritage while advancing the development of our beloved communities.
We network. We connect. We give back. We are the Civic Club of Harrisburg.
