Historical Marker

San Antonio Section, National Council of Jewish Women

Historical marker location:
204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas
( on west wall of the Menger Hotel patio)
Marker installed: 2000

On May 13, 1907, the San Antonio Section of the National Council of Jewish Women was organized in the Menger Hotel. Anna Hertzberg was elected president by the 15 charter members. The council immediately became active in the development of social services in the city, establishing a night school to provide English instruction to adult immigrants and organizing projects to address such concerns as literacy and

public health. In the 1930s, members established a neonatal and well baby clinic. They set up a day care center for working mothers in support of the 1940s war effort and

developed the Lighthouse for the Blind during that time, as well. The council continues its work, assessing the needs of the community and creating or assisting agencies to assume council-initiated projects as self-sustaining interests. (2000).