GFWC traces its roots back to Jane Cunningham Croly, an accomplished New York newspaperwoman, who wrote under the pen name of Jennie June. Indignant that she and other women were denied admittance to a banquet honoring Charles Dickens in 1868 at the all-male New York Press Club simply because they were women, she determined to organized a club for women only.

The name chosen for this club was Sorosis, a Greek word meaning "an aggregation; a sweet flower of many fruits." Although its founders originally thought they were starting a new movement, they became aware over the years of the existence of other women's clubs that had formed independently to meet the needs of women in the new and growing country.

As Sorosis approached its 21st year, Mrs. Croly proposed a conference of women's clubs in New York. Delegates from 61 clubs attended that first meeting and, on the last day, they took the action required to form a permanent organization. A committee was chosen to draft a constitution and plan of organization to be ratified the following year. Sorosis President Ella Dietz Clymer served as chairman. The constitution was adopted in 1890, and the General Federation of Women's Clubs was born. It was chartered by Congress in 1901.

Ella Dietz Clymer gained a particular place of honor in Federation history as the author of the GFWC motto, "Unity in Diversity." Speaking to the delegates at the first conference, she said, "We look for unity, but unity in diversity. We hope that you will enrich us by your varied experiences..." The aptness of the motto is evident in the diverse interests and methods of GFWC members, who have implemented a broad range of programs and projects tailored to meet the needs of their communities. It set the tone for the flexibility that has allowed GFWC to grow and adapt to the changing and diverse lifestyles and concerns of women throughout a century of volunteer work.

In 1922, the Federation purchased a five-story brick and stone mansion in Washington, D.C., which became its headquarters. Located at 1734 N Street, NW, the building has an interesting history of its own. It was built in 1875 by Rear Admiral William Radford upon his retirement from the U.S. Navy. By 1895, the neighborhood was well-developed and ready to welcome the colorful character of the next owner, General Nelson A. Miles, Commanding General in the Spanish American War. General Miles rose to fame in the Indian wars and was cited for gallantry in the Civil War.