
The Mission of the National League of American Pen Women is to encourage, recognize and to promote the production of professional standards in Art, Letters, Music and in the Allied Professions.
The National League of American Pen Women is the oldest National Organization for women in the Arts, since 1897. There are Branches across the United States and in the State of Hawaii. In areas where there are no Branches located, a prospective member may join as a Member At Large. The Diamond State Branch was chartered in 1950 by Marguerite du Pont Boden, a member of the Chevy Chase Branch.
Regular meetings commenced in 1951 with the 10 charter members. Ms. Boden was elected as the State president and Jeannette Slocomb Edwards as Diamond State Branch president.
Monthly Meetings

The Branch holds monthly meetings from September thru May. Meetings are held in the Wilmington, Delaware area at DuPont Country Club, the Village of Brandywine Club House, or at a Branch member’s home. Because of COVID-19 gathering restrictions in 2020, the Branch has also been meeting via Zoom©. Our meetings provide an opportunity to enjoy fellowship with other writers, musicians, and artists. Meetings may include luncheons with guest speakers, dance and musical performances, a demonstration, a workshop, or sharing of recent painting or writing projects.
Summer Months

During the summer months, the Branch may hold occasional plein air painting and writing sessions on the Brandywine River. At the end of September for the past 8 years, the Diamond State Branch spends a Creative Week in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware in a large rental house close to the beach. Members spend the week writing or painting, taking walks, visiting the Rehoboth art galleries, cooking, and enjoying meals together. Beach week has become a tradition for these members.

Diamond State Branch Outreach Projects
Community Outreach Projects are an important part of Branch activities. The Diamond State Branch is involved in several Community Outreach Projects.
Scholastic Affiliation

The Diamond State Branch has partnered with the Delaware Division of the Arts to facilitate the Scholastic Student Writing Competition each year for the Delaware Region. The Diamond State Branch is an affiliate of the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers which runs the Scholastic Student Art and Writing Competition for the Scholastic Foundation.

Workshops
Through the Boden Founders Fund, each year the Diamond State Branch sponsors and supports The Creative Writers Conference in Lewes, Delaware The Conference was founded by Letters Member, Billie Travelini. This year, 2021 will mark the 12th consecutive year of this event which is held in June. The Branch also sponsors mentoring sessions for student writers wanting to improve their writing skills in preparation for the Scholastic Student Writing Competition.
Scholarships
The Diamond State Branch awards a Boden Scholarship each year to a deserving Delaware student for excellence in writing. The award is given to a Gold Key winner in the Scholastic Regional Writing Competition. The Diamond State Branch also awards scholarships through the Delaware Division of the Arts to 5 Delaware students who are recognized at the National level as Scholastic American Voice Nominees.
If you would like more information about joining our branch, please click/tap here.
If you would like to learn more about the National League of American Pen Women, Please click or tap here.