The Palmer Society was founded in 1921 as the first women's society of Whittier College. Originally a literary society, the group reorganized in 1928 and became a social society for women.
The Society is named in honor of Alice Freeman Palmer (1855-1902), a prominent role model and leader in the women's education.
Throughout its history, The Palmer Society has been continually devoted to promoting the ideals of American womanhood as exemplified by Alice Freeman Palmer. The Society achieves this goal not only by striving for excellence in the areas of scholarship and service, but also through the friendship and loyalty shared by its members from generation to generation.
Mission and Values Statement of the Palmer Society
The Palmer Society mission is to promote and to develop aesthetic appreciation amongst its members in an effort to attain to the highest ideals of American womanhood. We believe this is accomplished best by promoting a spirit of friendship and cooperation within our sisterhood and our community. We value sincerity by encouraging each person to become one’s true self, as expressed in both our actions and in how we contribute to the world around us. As one is true to oneself, one is honest– expressing individual beliefs and ideals while respecting the diversity of our sisterhood and of our world community. We believe in freely giving of ourselves through service to our community, to Whittier College, to Palmers, and to each other. The Palmer Society values scholarship and sets a high standard for our members which we strive to maintain. As Palmer members, this pursuit for truth through scholarship will continue throughout our lifetime. In all these things we will remain loyal to one another and to the best interests of Whittier College in the name of our Palmer Sisterhood.
 Alice Freeman Palmer |
"Her charming manners, noble character, amiable temper, scholarly power, find their full opportunity and inspire such friendships as are seldom made afterward." |
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-Alice
Freeman Palmer |