A Nod to Our JLSN-Maritime History

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk has a long rooted history with the Maritime Aquarium, and we are excited to revisit our past as we celebrate the future of our League. The Maritime Aquarium inspires people of all ages to appreciate and protect the Long Island Sound ecosystem and the global environment through living exhibits, marine science, and environmental education.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk: 1980 – 1990

JLSN membership voted to collaborate with the Oceanic Society, The Norwalk Seaport Association, and City of Norwalk and its redevelopment agency to create a new maritime center featuring animals from Long Island Sound and an IMAX. Initially called the Maritime Center, the city’s objective was to create a tourist destination that would revitalize the area and cultivate new business. The League created a Maritime Center Committee to spearhead its participation in the project. Members raised funds for the Maritime Center and worked in the Center’s offices, offering support during the planning and development process.

In 1986, membership approved a four-year extension of the League’s participation, including a commitment to raise $120,000 to build a Touch Tank exhibit, and the publication of a regional seafood cookbook to defray costs. Membership planned and participated in the ground-breaking ceremonies for the aquarium, which opened in the summer of 1988, and created the Maritime Center’s newsletter. In 1989, the League celebrated the opening of the Touch Tank exhibit, receiving a Certificate of Environmental Achievement from Renew America for this project.

On February 9, 1923, the first JLSN officers were elected to lead a group of 40 members who provided volunteer services to local charitable organizations including the Visiting Nurse Association, the Associated Charities, the Children’s Home, Neighborhood House, the Red Cross, and Stamford Hospital. The organization grew quickly and by 1925, 100 members had performed 4,660 hours of community service.

Since that time, JLSN has founded or participated in the establishment of more than 88 community agencies, including Domestic Violence Services, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Shelter for the Homeless (Pacific House), The Volunteer Center of Southwestern Fairfield County, The Women’s Crisis Center, and the Fairfield County Women’s Center at Norwalk Community College.

The Junior League of Stamford - Norwalk

Founded in 1923, the Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk has been instrumental in the founding of over 90 local agencies, many of which continue to provide services in Fairfield County.

Our Mission

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

Our Vision

Women leading change and transforming communities.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities.

Our Core Values

Impact, Innovation, Collaboration, Empowerment, Leadership

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