We’re more than a social club!

In 1897, when 20 intrepid ladies formed a club to study the works of William Shakespeare, little did they know their legacy would still be thriving 125 years later.

“It has survived two world wars, two pandemics and the great depression,” said club president Ellen Osborn, a 23-year member of the club. “The women who belonged to the club in the early part of the 20th century went through a great change in the role of women and, a lot of the time, the women at the Shakespeare Club were at the forefront of that change.”

Indeed, the Shakespeare Club played a key part in local history such as the establishment of the El Dorado Public Library, the provision of free kindergarten, the saving of Cedar Grove trees along Highway 50 and conducting blood drives for WWII.

Read the full article by Sel Richard in the Mountain Democrat!

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Placerville Shakespeare Club is to:

• Promote sociability and friendship among its members.
• Promote and encourage the pleasure, exercise and recreation of its members.
• Preserve the historic clubhouse for club members and as a community asset for El Dorado County residents.
• Cultivate and improve the minds of its members by studying the works of eminent authors.
• Provide local scholarships.
• Stimulate civic pride by aiding in improvements of local interest.
• Provide assistance to local charities and youth.
• Manage and conduct entertainment, excursions, and social meetings of its members.
• Conduct business according to Articles of Incorporation of the Club.

The Placerville Shakespeare Club was established in May of 1897 and continues to be a gathering place for women in the community.