San Antonio Section, National Council of Jewish Women
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
On May 13, 1907, the San Antonio Section of the National Council of Jewish Women was organized in the Menger Hotel. Anna Hertzberg was elected president by the 15 charter members. The council immediately became active in the development of social services in the city, establishing a night school to provide English instruction to adult immigrants and organizing projects to address such concerns as literacy and public health. In the 1930s, members established a neonatal and well baby clinic. They set up a day care center for working mothers in support of the 1940s war effort and developed the Lighthouse for the Blind during that time, as well. The council continues its work, assessing the needs of the community and creating or assisting agencies to assume council-initiated projects as self-sustaining interests. (2000)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On May 13, 1907, fifteen charter members organized the San Antonio Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in the Menger Hotel, electing Anna Hertzberg president. The council quickly launched social services—a night school teaching English to adult immigrants, literacy and public-health projects, a well-baby clinic in the 1930s, wartime day care, and the Lighthouse for the Blind. It continued adapting its programs to the city's needs for generations.
Why it matters
It shows Jewish women building the early social-welfare infrastructure of an American city, from immigrant education to public health.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditoriumnearby
- Louis Tussaud’s Waxworksnearby
- Alamo Vistor Center and Museum (coming 2027)0.1 mi away
- Ralston Family Collections Center0.1 mi away
- San Antonio Fire Museum0.2 mi away · 801 East Houston Street
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum0.2 mi away
Attractions
- Sea Life Aquariumnearby · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- River boat boarding0.1 mi away
- River boat boarding0.2 mi away
- La Villita0.3 mi away
- River boat boarding0.3 mi away
- Yanaguana Garden0.4 mi away
Food & drink
- Mengerita Tacosnearby · 216 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
- Colonial Roomnearby · 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
- Starbucksnearby · 849 East commerce, San Antonio, TX
- Which Wich?nearby
- Pat O'Brien'snearby
- Dilo's Video Sports Barnearby
Places to stay
- The Crockettnearby · 320 Bonham, San Antonio, TX
- Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk0.1 mi away · 123 Losoya Street, San Antonio, TX
- The Emily Morgan Hotel - a DoubleTree by Hilton0.1 mi away · 705 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Hotel Gibbs Downtown San Antonio Riverwalk0.1 mi away
- Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio Downtown Riverwalk0.1 mi away · 408 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Wyndham Riverside Suites0.2 mi away · 218 College Street, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Anna Hertzberg
Themes & tags
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