Collection is open for research.
Gift of Les Femmes, care of Edwina Gonzoles, January 1989 (Lib. Acc. 19174, Photo Acc. 989D014).
Les Femmes was founded by a group of women in Portland, Oregon, in 1951 with the goal of encouraging the social, cultural, and educational development of young Black women. The group developed a program of activities, social events, and educational standards; held an annual Debutante Ball, initially to present young women, and, beginning in 1979, young men, who met its criteria; and offered scholarships.
Les Femmes photographic collection, Org. Lot 593, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.
Small collection of photographs, both black and white and color, circa 1956-1988, depicting activities of Les Femmes, a Portland, Oregon, organization focused on the social and educational development of Black youth. The photographs were originally assembled on an information panel about Les Femmes that was displayed in a 1988 Northwest Black Heritage exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society. The photographs include officers and members of the organization, youth participating in community service and activity programs, and portraits of young women and men in formalwear. The collection also includes a photograph of the original panel, which featured information about the founding and history of the organization.
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