Girl Scout History

In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low brought Girl Scouting to the United States. The first Girl Scout troop in California was established in 1917 in Palo Alto. Girl Scouts of Northern California was incorporated in 2007, comprising five former councils, covering 19 counties from Silicon Valley to the Oregon border. To ensure we do not lose our rich history, GSNorCal has a Heritage Committee with members from all of the “legacy” councils.

The Heritage Committee’s mission is to preserve and share Girl Scout history and culture to inspire a sense of belonging in Girl Scouting and promote an appreciation of its traditions. Heritage groups throughout the council collect, conserve, and catalogue items related to Girl Scout History. The committee is responsible for creating many of the wonderful displays of Girl Scout artifacts at our local offices and properties. They also maintain a collection of uniforms, handbooks, and historical items that are available for public displays, fashion shows, and hands-on experiences. The committee is always looking for donations of Girl Scout uniforms and memorabilia.

To help girls learn about our Girl Scout history, the Heritage Committee developed the Girl Scout Heritage Patch Program. Patches are available through the GSNorCal retail shops.

Additional on-line resources for Girl Scout history:

GSUSA: Girl Scout History | Girl Scouts
Juliette Low Birthplace: Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum | National Historic Landmark

GSNorCal Heritage Resources

Juliette’s Box: A fun, interactive game that tells the story of Juliette Low’s life.
Juliette’s Trunk: Try a few “old-time” Girl Scout activities like signaling with semaphore flags, and making a stretcher with a blanket.
Historical Uniforms: Our collections include historical GSUSA uniforms, international uniforms and camp uniforms for girls and adults. Uniforms are available for a nominal rental fee and a refundable loss/damage deposit is required. Call or email for further information. Please reserve uniforms at least 2-3 weeks in advance.

HERITAGE RESOURCES (Listed by County and City where Historian lives)

Camp Bothin Heritage Museum
A substantial collection of Girl Scout memorabilia, photographs, historic uniforms, and artifacts is housed and on display in the museum at Camp Bothin in Fairfax.

Tours/visits to the Camp Bothin Heritage Museum must be scheduled in advance. If you are reserving Camp Bothin for an event, please feel free to schedule a museum visit while your group is on site. For more information about the Camp Bothin Heritage Museum or to schedule a visit, please email info@gsnorcal.org.

Heritage Collection at the San Jose Office
This collection includes uniforms, handbooks, dolls, and memorabilia documenting local and national Girl Scout history. Items are displayed in the lobby and changed periodically throughout the year.
The San Jose office also houses a scale replica of the childhood home of Girl Scouts’ founder, Juliette Gordon Low. The 24-square-foot, nine-bedroom dollhouse features working electric lights, parlors, trunk rooms, and working doors and windows. It replicates the English Regency style of architecture that was fashionable at the time of its construction (1818-1821).
The displays and birthplace miniature may be visited during store hours. For a guided tour email info@gsnorcal.org.

Girl Scout history displays are also located in the Alameda, Chico and Santa Rosa offices as well as at the Rainbow’s End Program Center in San Jose.

Questions? For more information about the GSNorCal Heritage Committee contact your local historian listed in the Heritage Resources above or email info@gsnorcal.org.

Last updated on September 9, 2026