Hannah Adams Woman's Club Celebrates Class Of 2026 Graduation Tea

Hannah Adams Woman's Club Celebrates Class of 2026 With Graduation Tea

The Hannah Adams Woman’s Club Graduation Tea was held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the home of Mrs. Gayle Manning, whose daughter, Samantha will be graduating this weekend. Sixty-three girls attended this annual tradition, sipping tea and enjoying finger sandwiches on a beautiful afternoon in the Manning backyard.

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The club is named after Hannah Adams (1755-1831), who was born in Medfield and was the first woman in America to make a living as a professional author; she was also instrumental in the nation’s first copyright law (in 1790 by George Washington). Town Historian Richard DeSorgher considers her “Medfield’s Most Famous Female.”

The Hannah Adams Woman’s Club began the practice of honoring Medfield High School senior girls in 1968, and has held the event every year since, except in 2020 and 2021 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a beloved tradition our club looks forward to each year,” said Graduation Tea Chairperson Theresa Knapp Enos. “Some members have participated for more than 30 years, while newer members had daughters in this year’s graduating class. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the girls’ accomplishments, and we’re honored to keep the tradition going.”

The Hannah Adams Woman's Club is the longest continuously running women's club in America of which there is a record, according to Medfield Town Historian Richard DeSorgher. While the club was formally organized in 1894, after the founding of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, historical records set its start in 1775 when Hannah Adams gathered female friends in Medfield to read, write, and socialize. Today, in addition to the annual Graduation Tea, the club raises money for scholarships through various activities, including its annual Medfield Day raffle and Thanksgiving pie sale. The club participates in community events in many ways including portraying Hannah Adams in costume and the group holds monthly meetings that feature speakers, refreshments, and friendship.

For more information on the club, or to see photos of past Teas, visit www.hannahadamswc.org