History of JLE

The Junior League of Erie was formed in 1925 and incorporated in 1933.

The Junior League has often been defined by its fundraisers. Community Follies was a variety show staged by JLE members periodically over the years.

The Erie community still fondly remembers Santa’s Castle, a children’s holiday event staged from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Community projects are the heart of the organization. Many projects have focused on literacy, the arts, healthcare and child safety.

The establishment of the ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum was an important achievement of the JLE, combining years of commitment and hundreds of thousands of dollars to both the Arts and children in the community.

Another beloved project was the Children’s Theater troupe which staged 68 performances a year at its peak.

The Erie Adaptive Sailing Experience was created and continues to operate today, providing opportunities for people with disabilities to learn to sail. To learn more about this program, visit the Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies.

Current projects include the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Junior League’s Kids in the Kitchen, Healthy Zoo Healthy You, Backpacks for Foster Children, and Baby Go Round.