History - Our Biennial Convention

Since the Federation's founding in 1938, Republican women have come together for several days of fellowship, education, inspiration and business at the NFRW Biennial Convention. Held every two years in one of America's premier cities, our convention has a rich history ... and a colorful future. Take a look at some of the highlights of past conventions.

1938 -- With 85 clubs affiliated, the first official NFRW convention is held in Chicago, Ill. Its purpose: to set up the organization and to outline opportunities for participation in Party affairs. Delegates elect the first officers, with Joyce Arneill of Colorado becoming NFRW's first national president; a constitution and bylaws are constructed which provide for the assistant chairman of the RNC to serve as NFRW executive director. This ensures a liaison with the Party organization.

1940 -- Detroit, Mich. Registration totals 1,636, with delegates reporting from 29 states and the District of Columbia; bylaws are adopted; new officers are elected, including Judy Weis of New York as second president.

1942 -- Convention is postponed due to the war. Advisory Board meets that fall, however, and elects Marie Suthers of Illinois third president.

1944 -- Louisville, Ky. Attendance is estimated at 10,000; Republican presidential candidate Thomas Dewey delivers keynote address.

1946 -- Philadelphia, Pa. Peggy Greene of Massachusetts is elected fourth president; NFRW emblem is officially introduced.

1948 -- St. Paul, Minn. Elizabeth Farrington of Hawaii is elected fifth president; Advisory Board gives president more "hands-on" responsibilities for day-to-day operations of the organization.

1950 -- Cleveland, Ohio. Farrington is elected to second term.

1952 -- St. Louis, Mo. Nora Kearns of Pennsylvania is elected sixth president.

1954 -- Los Angeles, Calif. Kearns is elected to second term.

1956 -- Chicago, Ill. The District of Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii and 47 states are represented; Mary Catherine Gibson of Michigan is elected seventh president.

1958 -- Boston, Mass. Gibson is elected to second term.

1960 -- Atlantic City, N.J. Ruth Parks of Colorado is elected eighth president.

1962 -- Phoenix, Ariz. NFRW kicks off its silver anniversary celebration; all 50 states and the District of Columbia are represented; Dorothy Elston (Kabis) of Delaware is elected ninth president.

1964 -- Washington, D.C. Kabis is elected to second term.

1966 -- Washington, D.C. Bylaws amendment is adopted which changes biennial convention to odd-numbered years; Kabis is elected for one additional year.

1967 -- Washington, D.C. Gladys O'Donnell of California is elected 10th president.

1969 -- Washington, D.C. O'Donnell is elected to second term.

1971 -- Washington, D.C. Highlights: Connie Armitage of South Carolina is elected 11th president.

1973 -- Los Angeles, Calif. Armitage is elected to second term.

1975 -- Dallas, Texas. Patricia Hutar of Illinois is elected 12th president.

1977 -- Atlanta, Ga. Betty Heitman of Louisiana is elected 13th president.

1979 -- Indianapolis, Ind. Heitman is elected to second term.

1981 -- Denver, Colo. Betty Rendel of Indiana is elected 14th president.

1983 -- Louisville, Ky. Rendel is elected to second term.

1985 -- Phoenix, Ariz. Judy Hughes of Colorado is elected 15th president.

1987 -- Orlando, Fla. NFRW kicks off its golden anniversary celebration; Hughes is elected to second term.

1989 -- Baltimore, Md. Huda Jones of Kentucky is elected 16th president.

1991 -- Cincinnati, Ohio. Jones is elected to second term.

1993 -- Las Vegas, Nev. Charlotte Mousel of California is elected 17th president.

1995 -- Albuquerque, N.M. Marilyn Thayer of Louisiana is elected 18th president.

1997 -- New Orleans, La. Mary Jo Arndt of Illinois is elected 19th president.

1999 -- Seattle, Wash. Marian Miller of Indiana is elected 20th president.

2001 -- San Antonio, Texas. Highlights: Heidi Smith of Nevada is elected 21st president.

2003 -- Salt Lake City, Utah. Highlights: Dianne Thompson of Texas is elected 22nd president.

2005 -- Nashville, Tenn. Highlights: Beverly Davis of Utah is elected 23rd president.

2007 -- Palm Springs, Calif. Highlights: Shirley Sadler of Ohio is elected 24th president.

2009 -- Orlando, Fla.