The Nineteenth Century Club

The Nineteenth Century Club adopted the idea that the community was an extended "household" that would benefit from the "gentler spirit" and "uplifting influence" of women, and shifted towards civic reform.

The club primarily focused on the needs of women and children, addressing public problems such as sanitation, health, education, employment, and labor conditions.

[2] The stated objectives of the club were "to promote the female intellect by encouraging a spirit of research in literary fields and provide an intellectual center for the women of Memphis."

The members wanted to participate in the development of the city and inject women's "gentler spirit" and more "loving wisdom" into municipal affairs.

[3] In 1892, the Congress of the Association for the Advancement of Women met for the first time in a southern city at its 20th annual meeting with the Nineteenth Century Club.