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Fe do 12/ red “73m 612 ’5 Ir zgn‘rr/fex rg/‘();r[(11‘jr; ~ szfis'chg‘ ‘5‘ 213.33“ Commemorating The Erland Lee (Museum) Home and the First Women’s Institute October ist, 2005 was an important day for the Erland Lee (Museum) Home as FWIO President Elsie Stephenson and the Honourable Tony Valeri, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and MP for HamiltoneEast-Stoney Creek, unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque. Mary Whitwell, chair of the Lee Committee and Michael Gemmell, Museum Curator also helped with the unveiling that celebrated the national historic Significance of the Erland Lee Home and the First Women’s Institute. Janet and Erland Lee coefounded the first Women's Institute in 1897, when they recognized the need for an organization to address the concerns of rural women. It wasn’t long before the organization had spread to countries across the world. “As the home ofJanet and Erland Lee, this house symbolizes the foundation ofa national and international rural and farm women’s movement.” said Mr. Valeri, "Sitting at the dining room table, located still inside the home, Janet Lee herself Elsie Stephenson, Mary Whitwenand TonyValeri penned the constitution on which the first Women’s Institute unveil the Historic Sites Plaque. was based.” The W| Branch in Stoney Creek, like other Branches, played a central community role. Often bound to their homes by childbearing and homemaking duties, it provided women the opportunity to socialize With one another. Today, WI Branches across the province continue to provide educational resources, promote good family life skills, develop leadership and resolve needs in communities. The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significances of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of historic value. It is one means of informing the public about the richness ofour cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations. We thank the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada for recognizing the significance of The Erland Lee (Museum) Home and the first Women’s Institute. if you haven't been to "The Lee” lately, be sure to check out upcoming events on the back page! Meet the Members, From Rainbow Coun Hospitatlity Homes ...... QuiltsQuills&Bears...,......... ..9 Cross Country Happenings 14 Anything foraGood Cause ............................. 15 .2 International Connections. .3 Women of£xcellence ...... .5 Down the Garden pat