Frances E. Willard (1839-1898) was one of the most prominent social reformers in 19th century America. As president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union from 1879 to 1898, Willard rallied support for temperance as well as many other important reform movements including woman's suffrage, women's economic and religious rights, prison reforms, education reforms and labor reforms. A well-known author and public speaker, Willard captivated the imaginations and mobilized the sentiments of countless women. Under her leadership, the WCTU grew to be one of the largest organizations of women in the 19th century and spread its movement worldwide. For a list of sources about Frances E. Willard, and the larger issues of her time, click here.

          Frances Willard's Bedroom. Photo courtesy of Leslie Schwartz, Leslie Schwartz Photography.

Directions to the Frances Willard House Museum