The origins of an informal Stonington Garden Club date back to the early 1900’s, but the first recorded account was July 6, 1926, when "Mrs. Frank L. Henderson won first prize in a rose contest," according to "The Stonington Chronology 1649-1976." In 1929, this casual group became one of the charter members of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut. During World War II, however, it disbanded to put energies into knitting for troops abroad and planting personal Victory Gardens. Reorganized in 1958 with 30 members, its charter was "to stimulate interest in gardening, to encourage civic planting and to promote measures for the protection of wildflowers, native plants, birds and wildlife." In 1996, with the active membership limited to 48 people and an unlimited number of Friends, the membership voted to change the Club’s objectives: "to educate and encourage interest in the environment, conservation, civic beautification and to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening." In 2000, the Stonington Garden Club joined The Garden Club of America, increasing membership to 55 and expanding committees. The Club’s archives stored at the Woolworth Library total more than three dozen volumes. The earliest periodical clippings date from 1934. Committee reports have been gathered since the 1960s. Photographs document current activities. The volumes tell of the Club’s help with the beautification of both the Town and Borough. Through the years, funds to support many projects in the community have been raised by the club’s Gardens by the Sea walking tour. To increase awareness of preserving the environment, the club has published "What’s Up Outside" and "Earth Friendly Alternatives."