American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
During 2008 and 2009, family and consumer sciences professionals across the country will be engaging in Centennial Celebration activities. From rural counties to large urban cities, they will be involved in rich conversations about their heritage and the accomplishments of the profession for the past 100 years. These conversations will also focus on a vision for family and consumer sciences for the next 100 years.
At the AAFCS Annual Meeting in Milwaukee in June 2008, the Centennial was officially launched with a gala event featuring a glimpse at our history and some of the pioneers who made it all possible. In June 2009, a finale Centennial Celebration in Knoxville, Tennessee, will bid farewell to the first 100 years and launch the organization for the next 100 years.
As an AAFCS Centennial activity, family and consumer sciences professionals in each county are encouraged to establish a core group of professionals, including those who are retired and may not have been members in any formal organization. This group could discuss opportunities in their county to celebrate and publicize the Centennial Celebration. Activities could be internal and involve any family and consumer sciences professional in the county. Activities could also be planned for external audiences such as school boards, city councils, county commissioners, parent groups, civic clubs, county fairs, libraries, high school classrooms, and college and university campuses.
The Life and Legacy of Ellen Swallow Richards DVD could be a focal point in a discussion with emphasis on sharing activities and history unique to that county.
A Wall of Fame history display board would be excellent to use with the “Rich Conversations” theme to honor our past, inspire and celebrate our present, and to secure the future of our profession. Members and constituent audiences would be encouraged to meet and discuss how the profession has enriched the lives of families, individuals, and communities for the past 100 years. Media coverage wherever possible would be beneficial.