Founded by women, for women, The Ebell of Los Angeles is a cultural and philanthropic organization that has provided LA women and other marginalized groups civic, artistic, and educational opportunities since 1894. Our mission is to inspire women and build community through arts, culture, education, service and stewardship of our historic campus and collections.

Despite changing attitudes about women’s roles in civic, scholarly, and artistic spheres, women’s contributions continue to be overlooked. Today, only 6% of American monuments honor historical women (UW-La Crosse, 2023) and women comprise less than a quarter of the historical figures taught in K-12 history classes (NWHM, 2017). This lack of visibility has resounding impacts– breeding narratives, bias, and deeply ingrained cultural assumptions.
The Ebell Institute (TEI) will support the research and dissemination of the untold stories of Los Angeles Sheroes– women who have played a pivotal role in shaping the city as we know it, but whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. TEI is founded on the idea that “one cannot be what one cannot see” and therefore seeks to develop public knowledge of both historical Los Angeles women, as well as modern scholars and artists who are trailblazing in their respective fields.

TEI is an umbrella for six initiatives:

1. A yearly symposium of local scholars, artists, and culture-bearers.
2. Artistic and scholarly residencies supporting new research and creation by women, for women.
3. Open access to The Ebell’s historic collections to local scholars, colleges, and universities.
4. The Living Herstory Free Student Matinee Program, which provides schools free matinee experiences that delve into LA. women’s history.
5. A docent program at The Ebell to provide open access to one of LA’s most extraordinary landmarks.
6. An oral history project that will document and disseminate voices and narratives of 20th-century LA women.

We are looking for a minimum of 100 Extraordinary Women to support the Ebell Institute and the story of women in Los Angeles. Each woman donates or pledges $1000 over 5 years ($200 per year or $17 per month). Please join us !