How does a political scientist wind up as a Girl Scout historian? It is not as big a leap as you might think. Political science deals with the balance of power, center-periphery relations, identity, ideology, and symbolism, which can be useful tools for studying any social group, like Girl Scouts.
While I use this background and perspective to think about Girl Scout issues, some days I just want to focus on classic uniforms, beautifully designed badges, and the latest cookie flavors. I promise to avoid jargon and professor-speak on this site. Scout’s honor!

Instead, I hope you come away understanding that there is so much more to Girl Scouting than just cookies. I want you to discover the world of Girl Scouting beyond neighborhood troops.
I will introduce you to some of the millions of women who have worn similar uniforms, sung the same songs, and made the same promise for over 100 years. I hope today’s Girl Scouts get a feeling of that sisterhood that they are now a part of. It is never too late to join.
In addition to this blog, I also curate a series of digital archives that document Girl Scout programs past and present. These are:
- Girl Scout Leader Magazine: Over 600 scanned issues of still-relevant articles.
- Cookie Crumbs: Cookie patches, cookie prizes and more.
- GSCO Badge Info: Thousands of vintage badges produced by local councils in very limited quantities. Collectors love these colorful treasurers and they may inspire activities for today’s troops.
As chair of the Archives and History Committee of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, I am looking for new ways to share our collection with as many people as possible. I invite you to visit our history program centers in Frederick, Maryland, and Winchester, Virginia.

I am a freelance writer and editor and Gold Award Girl Scout based in Washington, DC. I am thrilled at the opportunity to combine these interests. Please contact me at ann@gshistory.com.
—Ann Robertson
The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, its professional staff, or the other volunteers on the GSCNC Archives and History Committee.
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