A Nod to Our JLSN + Lockwood-Mathews Mansion History

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk has a long rooted history with the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, and we are excited to revisit our past as we celebrate the founding of our League over one hundred years ago!

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum: 1965 – 1984
Built in 1864 by businessman LeGrand Lockwood, the The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum was a popular landmark in Norwalk and public outcry was strong when the city announced plans to demolish it in the 1950s. JLSN stepped in to help save the property and secure its designation as a historical site, entering into a lease for the property. Read more about the Mansion's history here.

The League moved its headquarters into the building and began plans to restore it as a museum open to the public. An advisory committee of museum curators and architectural historians was established and fundraising commenced.

The Mansion opened to the public for Summer Sundays in 1967 and featured tours by trained docents and an annual Mansion membership drive was launched in 1970. In 1972, the Mansion Education Committee helped secure the property’s designation as a National Historical Landmark by the Department of the Interior. The Mansion Educational Program was developed to serve local elementary school children the following year. In 1984, the League moved out of the Mansion and into its former headquarters in Darien. In 2025, JLSN moved its headquarters to its current location in Norwalk.

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.

Sponsorship Opportunities

As we celebrate another year of service, we are inviting local businesses and community partners to join us as sponsors. Your support directly fuels our Mission, expands our reach, and helps us continue preparing the next generation of women leaders. It is also a great opportunity to connect with our community and demonstrate your commitment to the people and organizations that make Fairfield County stronger.

View our 2026 sponsorship pack here.

Choose your desired sponsorship level at checkout here on this page, and we'll reach out to confirm your sponsorship details for the event.

If you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities in more detail, please contact development@jlsn.org.

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

A Night at the Mansion

Join us to celebrate our annual JLSN Founders' Day and the impact of our community work.