Girl Scouts Through the Years
Our Permanent Girl Scouts Exhibit
Since March 12, 1912, Girl Scouting has inspired generations of girls to lead with courage, confidence, and character, making a lasting difference in the lives of millions of families across Central Florida and the nation. Our legacy is built on more than a century of empowering young women to dream big, embrace challenges, and create positive change in their communities.
At our Women’s History & Cultural Center, you can explore our permanent premier collection of historical memorabilia, showcasing the uniforms, badges, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of Girl Scouting’s evolution through the decades. Each item reflects the creativity, leadership, and dedication of those who have shaped the movement.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the traditions, ceremonies, and values that have been passed down from generation to generation. Discover how these time-honored customs continue to connect Girl Scouts of today with those who came before them, ensuring that the spirit of Girl Scouting remains strong for years to come.
From 18 girls in Savannah to a global movement to make a difference.
Juliette Gordon Low, affectionately known as “Daisy," founded Girl Scouts in 1912 in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. The very first troop, made up of 18 girls, shared a spirit of curiosity and the belief that they could accomplish anything.
At a time when women in the United States couldn’t yet vote and were expected to follow strict social norms, Juliette’s vision was groundbreaking, encouraging girls to embrace their strengths, discover new skills, and create their own opportunities. That small gathering more than a century ago sparked a movement across America, giving every girl the chance to unlock her potential, form lifelong friendships, and make the world a better place.
This telephone on display is like the one Juliette used after returning from England to call her cousin, Nina Anderson Pape, head of the prestigious Pape School. Brimming with excitement, she exclaimed,
“Come right over. I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it to-night.”
That evening, Juliette gathered the first 18 girls, marking the official beginning of Girl Scouts.
First Uniforms
First Uniform Reproduction 1912-1913
Our replica of the First Girl Scout uniform represents uniforms from 1912-1913. The first uniforms were all individually homemade or tailored. They imitated the blue color of their UK Girl Guide sisters, and the simple over-the-head blouse was a common design for growing children. Notice how the neckerchief ends are knotted. The neckerchief was knotted at the beginning of the day and was to be untied only when the girl completed a good turn.
First Khaki Girl Scout Uniform 1919-1928
Blue was difficult to keep clean, especially when laundry was done without electricity! Some say this khaki color choice was because Juliette was told that red Georgia clay stained too easily. Others point out that Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in the US were more closely aligned and shared the same uniform manufacturer: Eisner.
GSUSA's site states, "Juliette Gordon Low ordered a stock of blue uniforms, with khaki only to be sent out by special request. But the girls preferred khaki as they were developing an interest in outdoor activities and considered it more practical for hiking, picnicking, and camping. And so khaki it was, which was used until 1928."
Below the First Khaki Girl Scout is a framed doll called the "Flexi doll." It is the first doll to appear in a Girl Scout catalog. The Flexi doll did not come with a uniform because girls were expected to make them. Our Flexi doll is proudly wearing the oldest handmade uniform in our collection.
First Brownie Uniform 1927-1936
Next on display is the First Brownie Uniform, which was manufactured from 1927-1936. Although these could be ordered, many were handmade, so multiple variations exist. The basic pattern was a simple laced front tunic with a belt, and a pixie pointed cap. Mini bloomers were included so girls could sit on the floor without worrying about inadvertently showing their underwear.
Between the first Brownie and Khaki uniform is a framed Golden Eaglet pin, the highest award from 1916 to 1939. From 1940 to 1963, the highest award was the "Curved Bar." Then, in 1963 the highest award was named "First Class," and eventually, in 1980, it evolved into the Girl Scout Gold Award we know today.
The First Daisy Uniform 1984-1999
Above the display case is the First Daisy uniform produced from 1984-1999. The tunic, t-shirt, shorts, ball cap, and first Daisy pin are displayed here. Initially, the Daisy program was a one-year program for girls in kindergarten. Today it is a two-year program for girls in kindergarten and first grade.
Dolls
Over time, Girl Scout dolls have evolved in both style and materials, shifting from delicate porcelain to sturdy composition (a type of paper-mâché), then to vinyl, plastic, and plush. Cloth dolls have remained popular for generations, with the official Georgene dolls using a sawdust-style filler that made them impossible to wash. As a result, finding one without water stains is exceptionally rare.
In the 1950s and 1960s, doll uniforms expanded beyond the traditional Girl Scout look to include camp outfits and swimsuits, most often made for 8" dolls. This trend resurfaced decades later when American Girl introduced a Junior uniform for their 18" dolls.
The Effanbee Doll Company became the most prolific producer of Girl Scout dolls, with “Pumpkin” and “Fluffy” among their most beloved models. In this case, you’ll see a variety of Effanbee dolls in different uniforms, look around the exhibit to find more camp and swimwear outfits.
Some of the rarest treasures here include the taller Cadette doll in the travel case from 1970 and the coveted 1965 Round-Up doll displayed in the Camp Case. The final Effanbee releases came between 2000 and 2002, featuring Brownie and Junior Scout dolls in many ethnicities: White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, and/or Latina.
Dolls have long been a favorite toy for little girls, and the ones you see here, and scattered throughout the exhibit, capture Girl Scout history in miniature form. They wear a variety of uniforms from across the decades: some officially licensed, others lovingly homemade. One notable example is the Madame Alexander doll, the first doll on the top left shelf. It was produced without permission from GSUSA and was quickly recalled, making it a rare find today.
Cookies
It has been recorded that Girl Scouts first began selling cookies in 1917. It all started with the Mistletoe Troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma; they began selling cookies to raise funds for their troop activities.
On display is a copy of the original cookie recipe from 1922. The American Girl magazine, published by Girl Scout Headquarters, printed this recipe. In the 1920s and 30s, the girls would make this simple recipe in their home kitchens, package them in waxed paper, and then sell them door to door.
Now to answer the question on everyone's mind, when were Thin Mints created?
Girl Scouts first sold Thin Mints in 1953, and they are still the favorite Girl Scout cookie today.
The framed diamond-shaped cookie pins were earned for completing the cookie requirements. These pins were discontinued in 2019.
The Build-A-Bear Workshop bears were designed to accompany some of the current cookie varieties. These 'Cookie' bears have Girl Scout cookie designs on the bottom of their feet. Girls can stuff and dress their bears.
This EasyBake oven from 2015 is undoubtedly more modern, but Hasbro ovens have been around since 1963. More than 30 million ovens have been sold over 50 years. Hasbro even sold five different Girl Scout cookie mixes.
The girl apron displayed on the table was produced in 1956. These aprons are rare to find because the plastic tears easily. If you noticed, our American Girl doll is wearing the matching doll apron.
Music
Debbie Reynolds was a famous Girl Scout who earned her Curved Bar, and later became a leader for her daughter, Carrie Fisher's troop. Reynolds worked with GSUSA on a national program to raise funds and awareness for Girl Scouting, known as the "Piper Project," which included a record and a badge that could be earned.
Melinda Carol also wrote and recorded many popular Girl Scout songs like "We Change the World."
There have been many songbooks available over the years. Early years saw a few councils with drum and bugle bands, and during a camp event, a girl would sound Reveille on the trumpet to wake girls in the morning and then play Taps in the evening before bed. Our official Girl Scout Bugle is from 1920-1925.
Travel and Uniforms
Of course, girls were also eager to travel! Look at these little travel clocks and the overnight travel case from the 1960s. But best of all are the little powder cases, small enough to fit in a purse. There were comb and brush sets, makeup mirrors, and even little suitcases to be taken along on their trip.
Cadettes/ Seniors and Ambassadors
Girls in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade are Cadettes (which before 1963 were initially called Intermediates). 9th or 10th-grade girls are Seniors, and 11th or 12th-grade grade girls are Ambassadors. Girls move through each age level, gaining knowledge of the world around them as they progress. They learn skills to carry them into adulthood, such as earning badges from Cadette Woodworker, to Senior Car Care, to the Ambassador College Knowledge badge. They are young adults in training to make the world a better place.
These girls can work to earn the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, which are the highest awards a Girl Scout can earn. These Award Projects take many hours of planning and activities to complete the requirements.
Girl Scout Intermediate Uniform 1951-1963
Referred to as the 'Alternate' Intermediate uniform, these uniforms suited girls who felt too grown up for the regular green dress but were not yet Seniors. The earlier versions of the skirt featured a side-sliding zipper to adjust to the waist of a growing teen, which was hidden under the sash. Later, skirts had a small flap with the GS symbol on the hip. This flap concealed a tiny pocket big enough to carry their meeting dues. The membership pin was supposed to be worn where the trefoil was embroidered on the pocket strip.
Girl Scout Senior Uniform 1960-1971
One of the most admired uniforms is this sharp two-piece. All Senior Scouts wore this, but each troop would choose an interest to follow: Trailblazer/Mountaineer; Wing; Mariner; Mounted; Explorer; International Friendship, and General. Each was distinguished by a coordinated tie/hat cord color (in the same order as the previous group): red, orange, white, and light green, with the last three sharing yellow.
In 1955, when the program added Interest patches, the names and colors were also tweaked to match the patch. Hat cords were now sold separately and were sewn on by the girl. Troops could now identify as Mariner/white; International Friendship and Community Action/gold; Homemaker/turquoise; Arts/lavender; Panorama/yellow; Wing/orange; Mounted and Trailblazers/red.
Girl Scout Cadette Uniform 1973-1980
Introducing component options and the 1st Cadette vest! Choices included a long or short-sleeved blouse, the fashion-forward bodysuit, a jumper or a tunic top, and pants or a skirt. The vest was to be worn with the pants, which could be worn with or without the tunic top. This is the only uniform with a felt vest. The felt was not a very stable material, as it would sometimes shrink or warp in the wash.
Girl Scout Senior Uniform 1971-1980
The 1970s were an era of rapid fashion changes. Mini, midi, and maxi skirts were everywhere! GSUSA went with the trend and sold these slip-on uniforms with unpressed hems so girls could set them as they desired. Gone with the overseas hat -- in with a stylish beret with a red lining. Her tie was still color-coordinated to troop interest but now attached by buttonholes that went over the top button on the dress. The broad leather belt had holes punched all the way around and could be worn on the waist or the hips. Optional flared pants could also be added.
Interestingly, in 1976, the National Board voted to allow girls serving in leadership roles (i.e., Assistant Leader) to wear the adult uniform.
Girl Scout Cadette/Senior Uniform 1987-1995
Shown here is another Girl Scout Cadette or Senior. How the tie is worn determines the level, depending on which side, green or blue, was on the outside of the band. Green represented Cadettes, and blue represented Seniors.
Girl Scout Senior Uniform 1980-1987
All a girl had to do as she changed levels was to purchase a new blouse. Cadettes had a greener similar patterned plaid compared to this bluer one. These uniforms were the only time girls had a fitted vest design. Noteworthy here is a unique hand-sewn sailing badge on the sash. Our model is shown as a Girl Scout Senior.
Camping
Patch Jacket
Martha Pottieger wore this camp patch jacket. The patches are from the 1980s and 1990s. All Girl Scouts wore jackets, and when girls moved to a new level, patches could be sewn onto a jacket. Adults also added patches to a jacket, as no sash or vest was available.
Display Case
Yes, Girl Scouts used hatchets and lashing to make platforms for preparing food and washing dishes. The collapsible cups took less room for backpacking, and the mess kits were made for cooking over a flame.
Brownie Swimsuit 1966
Starting in the early 1960s, we see Brownies using orange as an accent color in their accessories. At this time, one-piece bathing suits were the norm for girls and women. Yet, a few movie stars and fashion-forward teens were daring enough to wear a bikini. GSUSA never sold two-piece modeled swimwear.
Brownie Dungarees
These dungarees were available from 1954-1969. They were an upgrade from the previous design, which had a painted stencil. The stencil paint would crack with wear, but these also had the drawback of thread design fraying when worn often by an active girl.
Behold the Mystery short-all: It's complete with an official Girl Scout tag from around 1955 to 1962, but it's not found in any Girl Scout catalog. Often, GSUSA had prototypes of potential merchandise submitted by hopeful manufacturers. Could this be such an Item? If you have ever seen one like it, please tell us!
Camping Area
The camping area depicts a campfire with girls roasting marshmallows for s'mores, a tent from the 1960s, and several other camping items. This sleeping bag was available in the 1970s. The flashlights suspended above are from different years.
Camp Uniform 1935-1961
This Camp Uniform is from the Mid-1940s-1956. This is challenging to date because minor variations of the patterns span a few decades. This is the 'aqua-green' color option.
Camp Deer Lake Counselor uniform 1969-1976
The white shirt and green shorts were the 'dress' uniform for camp for many years. Shirts began as cotton and gradually became permanent press. . . because who wants to iron clothes when they're camping?
One story from a camper who wore these: Parents were invited to camp on Wednesdays to see how we were doing. That was when we were all supposed to wear these white blouses; inevitably, the supper was spaghetti!
Camp Uniform 1929-1933
These were popular camp wear with variations on cut during the mid-1920s. Campers would choose their colors and sometimes paint their patrol neckerchiefs.
Brownie Camp Uniform 1950-1968
The top is from 1958-1964, and the shorts were from 1950-1968. Intermediate/Junior campers had green shorts with a white stripe.
Junior Camp Uniform 1953-1961
Although this shirt style was available from 1949-1972 and the shorts from 1950-1968, the main thing to date is the minor variation in cuts (on the shorts) and the Girl Scout label.
The pictures on the wall were taken by Citrus Council Member Linda Outten from Camp Mah-Kah-Wee and Riverpoint.
Girl Scouts of Citrus Council has several campsites. Camp Mah-Kah-Wee (Earth Maiden) in Seminole County is a 250-acre site purchased in 1970 with a large lake for water sports and many options for overnight facilities. Riverpoint, in Brevard County, is a 24-acre site on the Banana River. Riverpoint is a two-story lodge built in 1880 and later renovated by the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council. Other Property sites include the Melbourne Scout House, Eustis Scout House, Pine Castle Scout House, Celia Lane Scout House, and the Orlando Council Office.
Mariner Ships and Wing Scouts
Mariner Girl Scouts are interested in learning all about sailing and boating. They learn about using semaphore flags, tying nautical knots, Morse code, and all the parts of various ships and boats. These uniforms are from 1934-1952.
Fresh from the time of perky 1930s musical movies, this pair of rare front-buttoned bottoms appear. This was only worn by girls when they were on the boats. In public, girls were to cover up with a knee-length skirt. Girls wore these shorts under their skirts to be ready for sailing activities. Long pants were also available.
There were several "ships" (Mariner units are not called "troops") that remained active through the decades when GSUSA stopped offering the program, but GSUSA recently revived the Mariner Program in 2019.
Juliette Low was ahead of her time. She offered an Aviation badge in 1916, only 13 years after the Wright brothers first flew! GSUSA began a program for Senior age girls, Wing Scouts, in 1941. This was for girls interested in flying and wanting to learn about aviation. By 1944, GSUSA began offering first a pamphlet, then a handbook for the program. Currently, all ages of Girl Scouts are learning about space and rockets.
The display case has a variety of knives as girls were taught how to use a knife early on. Also displayed are various compasses, clotheslines, first aid kits, etc.
Quilt
This quilt was made by artist and Girl Scout Collector Merana Cadorette in 2013, using reclaimed badge sashes and uniform pieces. The quilt contains over 20 years of uniform variations. Having collected an abundance of sashes, Merana decided to make this intricate quilt. Being from Florida, she chose a center spiral like a hurricane and then filled the in-between spaces with discarded uniform fronts.
The sashes were altered by addition only: each has a crest or council strip added if one was missing. Any Council names added were ones in which Merana has been active. Also included are the gold 'Patrol Leader' cords and sock flashes. The fill-in fabric is more current.
Sewing Machine
Senior Girl Scout Uniform 1948-1960
This sewing machine is from 1902. Girls learned how to sew their uniforms starting in 1912 and throughout WWI, as ready-made items were unavailable.
The Girl Scout pattern is from 1939-1942. GSUSA has sold fabric, patterns, and makeup kits (packages that included everything down to buttons and labels) for home sewers. This is just a sample of a pattern from over the last century.
This Senior uniform is often confused with one of the adult versions of this period. On the pocket is a Senior Service Scout patch. In 1955, five special patches that reflected the troop's focus were introduced.
Girl Scout Intermediate Uniform 1956-1963
This intermediate Girl Scout uniform marks the beginning of girls wearing their earned badges on sashes at the Intermediate level. It was much easier than sewing them on sleeves!
This young seamstress has the early 1960s tie, which snapped on behind her neck under her collar. No more needing to know how to make a square knot to get in uniform. Her badges are also from the early 1960s, as evidenced by the material.
Connie's Case
Girl Scout Uniform 1928-1935
Lillian Gladys Conrad Ulrich, better known as 'Miss Connie', became a Brownie in New York in 1934. She was an Intermediate Scout and a Mariner Scout before graduating from college in 1950. She became a Leader and then moved with her family to Florida in 1978 and was active in Citrus Council until her passing in 2014. We proudly display the uniform she routinely wore to all Girl Scout events.
Her uniform is actually a girl's uniform, but we believe she just really liked wearing it. The Connie Ulrich Legacy Award was created in her honor. Items in the case are from the period she was in Girl Scouting. The official Girl Scout shoes, typical of the era, are from 1945. is actually a girl's uniform, but we believe she just really liked wearing it. The Connie Ulrich Legacy Award was created in her honor. Items in the case are from the period she was in Girl Scouting. The official Girl Scout shoes, typical of the era, are from 1945.
Tee Leedy's Case
Takoohy Topakim Leedy (Tee) was a member of Citrus Council in the 1950s. The uniform she wore is displayed in the glass case. She was a Camp Director at Citrus Camp Ticochee in the 1960s. Her Golden Eaglet and other pins are shown.
Girl Scout Adult Uniform 1948-1958
The two-piece suit was usually worn with a white blouse. These are rare to find because they were made of early synthetic fabrics. There was also a green bow tie and the green purse was imitation leather.
The green sport scarf on the second shelf was available from 1937 to 1940. It was offered in red, yellow, blue and green. In 1939 green was dropped from the listing. In 1940 the name changed to 'sport' scarf from 'peasant' scarf. Per the catalog description, "A printed sport scarf gives the finishing touch to any campus ensemble. A picture map of the United States from the Girl Scout angle not only adds to its attractiveness but gives this scarf a particular significance $.50."
Adult Uniforms
Girl Scout Adult Uniform 1919-1928
The khaki-style uniform in front is dated 1922-1928. Many of the uniforms during war years from most organizations had a military flair. Shoes and hosiery were also specified: "shoes could be tan or black, high or low and should have round toes and low, flat heels. If possible, shoes with a straight inner line are preferred. (….) Stockings of cotton, or wool, (not silk) are to be worn. (....) no purse or handbag is to be carried in the hand or on the arm".
Our oldest leader's uniform dates back to when they were called "Captains." This warm wool, professionally tailored Norfolk uniform is around 100 years old. It was worn by "Betty Burkhead." She earned her Golden Eaglet and was active in southeastern Massachusetts. We display this with the jacket open to show off her many proudly earned and treasured badges.
Volunteers have worn this many times over the years for various shows and re-enactments. The uniform comes to Girl Scouts of Citrus courtesy of Sonya Howland and Plymouth Bay Girl Scout Council SE MA.
1928-1934 The beginning of Girl Scouts in green!
The Girl Scout Adult Uniform 1939-1948
This uniform was designed to close at the top, not with another button, but by placing the membership pin just so.
Girl Scout Adult Uniform 1972-1983
1975-1981 Our leader wears the bold "signature" top with a skirt. Introduced in 1975, featuring the vibrant colors of the 1970s, the leader would always be easy for her girls to locate in a crowd! The soft knit blouse could also be worn under other components from this era for a layered appearance.
Girl Scout Adult Uniform 1953-1968
1953-1958 features the long-sleeved version of this uniform. It became short-sleeved after that through 1968. It is usually worn with a hand-basted inserted white collar facing as an accent. This hat style first appeared in the late forties and continued until 1961.
Girl Scout Adult Uniform 1956-1968
This feminine green cotton two-piece is much admired to this day. It features a flattering 2-piece vintage stewardess look, with a tailored beret style hat and hand-basted white collar facing.
Girl Scout Adult Uniform 1990-1995
This uniform had many components. This blouse is from 1992-1995: The 'polka dot' blouse, which GSUSA refers to as 'an overall splatter print' with a 'jewel' neckline.' It is relatively rare; most leaders seemed to prefer the plain white option.
This classic uniform (1990-1995) was designed as some women wanted a more tailored business look. The components included a navy skirt and jacket as well as blouse choices. Various neckwear, from scarves to cravats, were available to dress up the look further. Initially and officially, GSUSA wanted to avoid these being worn intermingled with Bill Blass items, but that was relaxed as most leaders went ahead and did so. The blazer could be ordered with either the traditional or contemporary logo on the buttons.
Girl Scout Adult Uniform 1984-1995
Continuing with having designers create looks for Girl Scouts, we have this Bill Blass shirt dress. The belt and hat reflect his thread throughout this collection of components for a vivid green palette accented with light blue. Components initially included a green jacket, long and short-sleeved blouses, a skirt, a sweater, and multiple scarf options.
Girl Scout Adult Uniform 1995-2008
The evergreen business jacket without lapels is from 1995-2003. The scarf with Velcro closure is from 1998-2003. (Perfect for council and staff, not for leaders with troops). The uniform had multiple options that were not so formal. It included pants, walking shorts, blouses, skirts, business jackets, sweater sets, and a jumper. The later years of this uniform added a princess cut dress, jacket, and button-front classic shirtdress.
Octagonal: Conventions
Souvenirs, patches, and pins are from previous National Council Meetings. The 2020 National Council Meeting was initially scheduled to happen in Orlando, but it ended up being online due to Covid. However, the 2023 National Council Meeting took place in Orlando in that July.
Purses and Banks
What proper Girl Scout would go out without her purse to match? Before she could spend her money, she might have saved it in a bank like these on display. Little wallets might have a loop to slide over a belt, allowing her hands to be accessible for activities. These provided a safe place to keep her dues or a little spending money.
Girl Scout Uniform 1936-1939
GSUSA finally gave up on the pull-over dress with a snap-in 'modesty shield' and replaced the little panel with a zipper. It seems the girls kept losing the panels or removing them. (Look back at the Connie Ulrich case for an example of this modesty shield). The next variation of this uniform gained a waistline and a side zipper, but zippered uniforms became discontinued during WWII due to wartime supply needs.
Middle Uniforms
Brownie Uniform 1936-1941
This is a replica of the second version of the Brownie uniform. Note the zipper, imitating the older girls' uniform. Early Brownie uniforms included French knicker panties. These were to protect modesty because it was assumed little girls would play and sit on the floor and be less self-aware to keep their underwear hidden! A triangular 'pixie' hat was worn. Some are found today that were painted or stenciled with a design. Girls could earn a bell to wear on the point of their hat.
Girl Scout Teenage/lightweight uniform 1935-1940
Senior teens pleaded for a more stylish design that suited their developed figures more than a pullover dress. GSUSA offered this more adult-appearing blouse/skirt set in a small variety of fabric options, including madras, which is cotton fabric patterned with colorful stripes and checks. Her badges are still sewn on her sleeves, with ones that were deemed more important (like First Aid) on the left side. A sash was available for this uniform; however, the display still has badges sewn on the sleeves.
Games
Girl Scouts played a variety of games at meetings or events.
Paper dolls were all the rage in the 1960s, and of course, a tabletop tic-tac-toe game with green and white marbles was available. We believe this tic-tac-toe game might be handmade.
On rainy days, a good puzzle was always a welcome activity.
The Lummi sticks are nature's rhythm sticks. Our research tells us that rhythm sticks evolved from a game by the Maori people in New Zealand.
Jewelry
What girl doesn't like jewelry? Girl Scouts have produced many rings, watches, necklaces, and bracelets for any Girl Scout occasion. This collection spans decades of adornments. Rings and watches were favorites in all levels of Girl Scouting. Earrings and hair barrettes were also very popular.
Additionally, this case contains scarves and men's ties. Various ties have been available, with the most recent being from 2022.
The plaque in the center replicates the larger plaque in First Headquarters in Savannah, GA.
Cameras
And what Girl Scout now or back then would ever leave home without a camera? Small bellows type cameras to flash are on display. Look how far we have come to get digital phones that can take pictures easily compared to the more complex rolls of film and little flash bulbs. Now there is no more film to load and no more experiencing the disappointment of waiting to develop a picture only to find you have cut off the top of someone's head.
Of particular interest is the film strip given as a promotion for Girl Scouting.
Floyd Whiddon hand carved the large golden trefoil from wood in 2021.
Daisy Girl Scouts were introduced to the Girl Scout Program levels in 1984. Initially designed for kindergarten or 5-year-old girls, the age levels were expanded to include 1st-grade girls. Our Daisies on display are gathered around the Daisy Garden to work on their Flower Garden Journey. Daisies earn petals for their vest or tunic as they learn about the Girl Scout Program. The petals and leaf badges they earn combine to make a complete Daisy on the uniform.
Daisy Garden
Daisy Uniform 2000-2007
Our little gardener wears the classic Daisy tunic, shorts, and the contrast trim t-shirt, which was available from 2000-2007. As you can see, she has earned her complete set of DAISY Petals.
Daisy Uniform 2010-2014
2010-2011 brought this pink t-shirt. For a few years, GSUSA did nothing but change the sock and T-shirt colors and designs at all levels; hence the short availability spans. The leggings, however, did not change and were available from 2010-2013.
Daisy Uniform 2011-2013
In 2008, Daisies gained a vest option to match their big Girl Scout sisters! 2010 brought along a beanie hat like Brownies but only in Daisy blue.
Brownie Pond
The current Brownie Program includes 2nd and 3rd-grade girls. The Brownie name derived from a story by Juliana Horatia Ewing circa 1871. In this original tale, a young girl looking for help is sent to a pond to speak with the Wise Owl. There, she is to say: "Twist me and turn me and show me the elf," to find the helpful elf, but when she did: "I looked in the water and saw MYSELF," learning that she is to be the helper. Look around the exhibit; can you find the Wise Owl?
Brownie Uniform 1941-1956
During the war years, when fabric was difficult to come by, the dress was made in at least three variations of fine brown pin-check.
The dress was pulled on over the head, then cinched in at the waist by buttons on the sides. The accompanying self-belts had fragile plastic buckles, which are rarely found intact all these decades later.
Brownie Uniform 1961-1968
GSUSA chose to add a men's style tie to this uniform. The side buttons were replaced with a zipper, which, from experience, usually got caught and tore the fabric!
Like their older Junior sisters, the belt got upgraded to elastic, and the buckle was a sturdier fastener than the past plastic one.
Brownie Uniform 1986-1993
Cotton blend increased comfort after the polyester years. This is the polo shirt's first appearance.
Our little kite-flyer sports the short-sleeved blouse, jumper, and socks held up with the colorful flashes. We are still looking for information on this Girl Scout kite. Can you help us identify its history?
Brownie Uniform 2004-2008
After learning all about helping others, the last Brownie is getting ready to BRIDGE or FLY UP into the Junior Girl Scout level. She's prepared to cross the bridge to Juniors in one of the more formal uniform versions. There were eight official top options and six different bottom choices in this short period.
Junior Girl Scouts are 4th and 5th-grade girls. They work on Badges to improve their skills in various categories and work to earn the Bronze Award. Here you can see the Juniors waiting on the other side of the bridge to greet the Brownie as she crosses into the next level. These Junior Girl Scouts are wearing uniforms from 1963-73, 1973-85, and 1994-2000.
Junior Uniform 1963-1973
The Junior uniform experienced a slight change from the 6-gore to an A-line skirt. It also acquired the first 'belt-purse' option of green vinyl with a saffron yellow interior. Girls could use it to bring dues and phone change so they wouldn't have to bother with a purse at events and meetings.
Junior Bridge
Junior Uniform 1973-1985
Since GSUSA spans vast climates, uniforms were not always comfortable or practical. In addition, busy moms rarely had time to iron as more and more families became dual-income families. This was the introduction of the options: long or short pants, a tunic to wear with or without a blouse, and even the bodysuit!
Polyester was all the rage because it did not require ironing. However, it was not a good fabric for comfort. The plastic left people sweating in warm weather and freezing in the cold.
Junior Uniform 1994-2000
After decades as a uniform staple, the beret is gone! The end of the 1990s saw a comfortable uniform made of softer materials, such as a cotton blend, to breathe better. A girl could choose from a blouse, two t-shirts, a mock turtleneck, or a sweatshirt. There were also five choices of bottom wear: culottes, shorts, leggings, and a skirt.
Ceremony Stand
Ceremonies have always been a big part of Girl Scouting, whether for receiving their first Girl Scout Pin, bridging between levels, or earning badges and patches throughout the year.
This Trefoil was dropped off at one of the Girl Scout Properties by an anonymous donor several years ago. The wood had been stained several times and was dark -almost entirely black! The restoration process involved stripping it down and repainting it.
Troops might have used a similar item for the various candle ceremonies that depict the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise and the ten parts of the Girl Scout Law.
Women’s History & Cultural Center © 2025. All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy / Terms of Use