By Misty DUPLESSIS

On March 12, 1912, with just 18 girls, Juliette Low started an organization that has since grown to over 50 million participants worldwide over the course of 10 decades.

When Low formed the Girl Scouts, it was with the idea that girls all over the world would be able to develop into well-rounded individuals and experienced in matters of the community as well as outdoor activities.

Starting Feb. 7, the public can share in the experience and see how Girl Scouts has grown over the last one hundred years by visiting the Lanterman Historic House at 4420 Encinas Dr. in La Cañada. The exhibit is sponsored by Girl Scouts of America of Greater Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Heritage Committee.

To kick off the event on Jan. 17, Girl Scout Life member and Heritage Committee member Christie Crahan, dressed in an authentic 1919 adult uniform, the first uniform of the organization, spoke in a southern accent as founder and first president Juliette ‘Daisy,’ inviting the community to visit the Lanterman House to learn about the rich history of the Girl Scouts.

At the exhibit, visitors will see historic artifacts such as photographs, badges, dolls and uniforms that are on loan from the L.A. Heritage Foundation with some donated from personal collections.

With over 90 troops in local areas alone, this exhibit is one of the largest of its kind in the Los Angeles area.

Adult Girl Scouts and current members from Glendale, La Cañada and La Crescenta service units will also be celebrating the organization’s centennial birthday by adding another badge to their vest during a special 100th birthday celebration.

Over the last 100 years, the organization has remained the largest for girls in the country with a mission to teach girls a variety of lessons and skills that they can apply to everyday life.

La Crescenta Cadet member Katherine Diekmann has been involved with Girl Scouts for six years and said that the Scouts have taught her many things, one of her favorite activities being building fires.

Robin Miketta, a La Canada member, has been a part of  the organization for 10 years and has completed all the challenging courses needed to reach the highest level of Scouting, the Gold Award.

Miketta said she plans to continue with Girl Scouts as a leader.

The group is excited that the Lanterman House Museum, with its historical significance, is hosting the exhibit.

“The Lanterman House is itself a wonderful example of the Craftsman Style, popular at the beginning of the 1900s,” said Crahan confirming that Low would have been familiar with the style of home.

The exhibit is available to view Tuesdays and Thursdays and the first and third Sundays of the month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through June 28.

Visit www.lantermanfoundation.org for pricing information.

  Mitsy DUPLESSIS