Our History

Juliette Gordon Low had a dream.

In March 1912, when she brought that first group of girls together in Savannah, Georgia, she wanted them to explore new possibilities and the wonders of the world around them—and she wanted them to do it together.

Along with Juliette Gordon Low, also known as “Daisy,” these first Girl Scouts blazed trails and redefined what was possible for themselves and for girls everywhere. They played basketball. They hiked, swam, and camped. They learned to tell time by the stars. And most importantly, they shared a sense of adventure and a belief that they could do anything. And just like Girl Scouts do across the country and around the globe today, they offered a helping hand to those in need and worked together to improve their corner of the world.

Since the founding of the Girl Scout Movement more than a century ago, Daisy's small circle of girls has grown to include nearly 2 million girl members and more than 50 million Girl Scout alums—united across the decades by a spirit of lifelong friendship and shared adventure and the desire to do big things to make the world a better place.

Read more about Juliette Gordon Low and Girl Scout history.

“Truly, ours is a circle of friendships, united by our ideals.” 
— Juliette Gordon Low 

Girl Scouts had its earliest beginnings in 1916 when troops began to meet in the Mid-South area.  Word spread quickly throughout west Tennessee and north Mississippi as troops began to take part in this wonderful new opportunity for girls.  There were lone troops throughout the area for several years before any local councils were officially chartered.  Council records document activities by these varying troops that include summer day camps and overnight camps. 

Today's Girl Scouts Heart of the South council was born from the merger of the Mid-South, Northeast Mississippi, Reelfoot and Northwest Mississippi Girl Scout Councils in June of 2008.  The area encompasses 59 counties in north Mississippi, west Tennessee and Crittenden County, Arkansas. 

Visit the Heart of the South Heritage Center!
*CURRENTLY CLOSED*

To celebrate our inspiring history and tradition, Girl Scouts Heart of the South has established the Heart of the South Heritage Center, located in the Memphis Leadership Center. Born from the effort of many volunteers who carefully collected, stored and documented memorabilia over the years and the inspiration of dedicated alumnae to make this collection available to all, the center is open for browsing during regular business hours at no charge to visitors.

Do you have some Girl Scout memorabilia that you would like to share? The Heart of the South Heritage Center welcomes your donations! Contact us for more information on contributing your items to our unique and exciting collection!