ABOUT US
We Create Space

for women and the community of Los Angeles to experience and participate in arts, culture, education, and service

Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire women and build community through arts, culture, education, service, and stewardship of our historic campus and collections.

IMPACT
OUR IMPACT
Creating space for
women in the heart
of Los Angeles.

Our multifaceted approach to programming and partnerships enables us to have a broad, meaningful and sustainable impact on both the community we serve and the cultural landscape at large.

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VISION AND VALUES
A shared sense of purpose animates our commitment to the women of Los Angeles.

Our vision for a world where women’s voices are heard, stories are told and presence is valued drives The Ebell toward inclusive, inspiring programs and experiences for our members and the community at large.

THe ebell
THE ebell
Our Values
What We Stand For
Collaboration

We work with others for a common purpose or good and believe that we accomplish more working together than individually.

Belonging

Everyone feels valued and respected, and we foster connections and relationships.

Inclusivity

Everyone is welcome, and differences are riches.

Agility

We are resourceful, resilient, adaptable and creative in challenging times and recover quickly and stronger from experiences over 100 years.

Compassion

We have empathy for others and take action to help those in need.

Creativity

We embrace bold ideas and foster a culture of innovation.

Philanthropy

We give of ourselves and of our resources to make lives better.

Stewardship

We preserve our campus, collections and history.

Excellence

We strive to learn, improve and excel in all that we do.

DEI
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Ebell of Los Angeles strives to uplift the dignity of all persons, address systemic racism, and ensure an equitable, inclusive and welcoming space in which all community members - including audiences, guests, Ebell members, employees, board and volunteers - whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation or identity, religion, socioeconomic status, education, or disability, feel valued and respected. Our core values are collaboration, belonging, inclusivity, agility, compassion, creativity, philanthropy, stewardship, and excellence.

We are committed to:

Accountability

Striving to express these core values every day in our interactions with one another and our communities, and to holding each other accountable for these values.

Equal Opportunity

Non-discriminatory hiring, review, and selection approaches to enhance equal opportunities for employment, volunteerism, and advancement throughout our organization and programs.

Inclusivity

Continual examination, regular education and training to create welcoming and respectful spaces where all members and employees may do their best work.

DEI
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Honoring the Gabrielino-Tongva People

The Ebell of Los Angeles pays homage to the Gabrielino-Tongva people, the traditional caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles Basin and Southern Channel Islands) and the land on which The Ebell of Los Angeles stands. We recognize that this institution benefits from the violent displacement and disenfranchisement of those who inhabited and stewarded this land for generations. We pay our respects to the Gabrielino-Tongva people, past and present, and are grateful to have the opportunity to carry out our mission.

A HISTORY OF CHANGING LIVES

The Ebell of Los Angeles was founded by women, for women in 1894 and remains dedicated to its original mission. At the first meeting of The Ebell of Los Angeles in 1894, under the leadership of founder and president Harriet Williams Russell Strong, the organizational purpose was adopted:

“To interest women in the study of all branches of literature, art and science and the advancement of women in every branch of culture.”

In 1927, the campus, designed by architect Sumner Hunt, was opened. Today, the women of The Ebell continue to steward and preserve the campus, while opening our doors to the diverse women of Los Angeles. Through social, cultural, and educational programming, we continue to interest women, hosting and curating programming that empowers, inspires, and connects the community.

More than 100 years later, The Ebell remains an historic space located at the intersection of Lucerne and Wilshire Boulevard, in the culturally rich heart of Los Angeles. Our campus is a vibrant gathering place connecting  artists, educators, authors, entertainers, speakers, and politicians to intellectually curious women from across Los Angeles.

Our team
President’s Message

Women’s history and the contributions of women are part of Los Angeles history.  From the Suffragettes to the Women’s March, from the stewardship of thriving nonprofits to leadership in entertainment studios, from contributions to music, art, and entrepreneurship to leadership in the sciences and technology, Los Angeles is a place where women have strived to make their presence felt.

For 130 years the Ebell of Los Angeles has created space for these women — to connect, convene, collaborate, and contribute to Los Angeles and to celebrate what women can do when we work together. 

We are honored to be a place powered by women, for women, advancing the legacy of women’s contributions to society, business, art, education and culture. Join The Ebell in continuing to advance women’s issues, elevate women’s voices, and support the unique culture of women in our diverse community.

- Randi Jones, President
The Team
Stacy Brightman, PhD
Executive Director
Randi Jones
President
Randi Jones
President
Catherine Collins
Vice President
J. Lee Braly
Director of Finance
Fazie Yakub
Treasurer
Janna Bodek Harris
Secretary
Julie Barkan
Rosa Bravo
Beverley Clarkson
Lauralee Gooch
LaToya Hearns
Camille Lombardo
Laura Louden
Anne Lynch
Gerrie Maloof
Christy McAvoy
Denise Parga
Nellie Scott
Clare Sebenius
Fran Varga
Stacy Brightman, PhD
Executive Director
Anessa Birkemeier
Director of Special Events
Tommy Bellissimo
Executive Chef and Beverage
Meredyth Deighton
Director of Membership & Programming
Pam Calloway
Human Resources Manager
Gladys Gaona
Facility Manager
Alicyn Gianukos
Controller
Julia Long
Archivist/Collections Manager
Erika Newman
Theatre Business Manager
Matthew Schroeder
Director of Production
Julia Soto
Director of Graphics and Data Systems
PROGRAMMING
Spark your curiosity. Laugh out loud. Sing along. Make lifelong connections. Discover history.

From thought-provoking lectures to captivating workshops and performances, The Ebell's cultural programs are shared experiences that are powerful, thought-provoking and resonant. Designed to spark conversations and inspire women’s lives, we actively seek to foster a deeper connection with the arts and humanities.

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PROGRAMMING
PROGRAMMING
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Giving Voice to the Women of Los Angeles

The Ebell’s Signature Programs celebrate women’s history, artistry, and cultural impact in Los Angeles. Through the Ebell Institute, we offer free student matinees, public symposiums, and professional residencies that highlight women’s contributions to academia and the arts.

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SPACES
Five stages. Over 2,000 seats. Exquisite architecture. Communal spaces. All women led.

Our historic campus was designed by the architect Sumner Hunt in 1927 and boasts three levels and 75,000 square feet for community engagement. The Renaissance-inspired structure is a noted architectural treasure and includes a grand dining room, art salon, courtyard garden, and 1,266-seat Broadway-style theater.

The Art Salon was one of the first art galleries in Los Angeles; Judy Garland was discovered on the Wilshire Ebell Theatre stage; and in nine decades, the theatre stage has been graced by performers ranging from Elizabeth Taylor to U2.

In addition to weddings, gatherings, and private events, The Ebell regularly hosts fundraising galas, including the International Myeloma Foundation Comedy Benefit, the Women of Influence Los Angeles Awards Gala, and Women in Film. All profits from special events and filming go directly towards preserving the building’s architectural heritage and funding The Ebell’s programming.

THE lounge
Wilshire Ebell Theatre

A historic, elegant venue in Los Angeles, offering versatile rental spaces for performances, events, and celebrations in a timeless setting.

History Room

The History Room at The Ebell hosts engaging pop-up events that spotlight the rich historical and cultural heritage of Los Angeles in an intimate and immersive setting.

Terrace

A charming outdoor space featuring beautiful landscaping, perfect for ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours, offering a peaceful garden atmosphere amid the elegance of this historic venue.

Sunroom

A bright, airy space with large windows that allow for plenty of natural light, making it perfect for intimate gatherings, workspaces, or community events. It has recently been reopened as a community hub, providing a tranquil setting for work or relaxation between meetings.

Library

An intimate and historically rich space, ideal for small gatherings, meetings, or reading sessions, surrounded by elegant wood paneling and vintage books, providing a quiet retreat within the grand Ebell campus. The library reflects the institution's long history of supporting women's education and culture​.

The Fine Arts Auditorium

An intimate, historically significant space, used for lectures and cultural events.

The Juniors Room

This sophisticated and dynamic suite overlooking the garden is adorned in antique vintage furniture and artwork. The dark wood details provide for a grounding ambience allowing the room to function as a meeting space, green room , interview set, and backdrop for many notable historic scenes in films such as The Offer, Gilmore Girls and Goliath.

The French Room

An elegant, intimate space adorned with vintage mirrors and classic decor, perfect for small gatherings, bridal preparations, and other private events, offering a luxurious and timeless atmosphere that reflects the venue's rich history​.

The Lounge

A grand, stately space featuring high ceilings, an ornate engraved ceiling, and large windows that fill the room with natural light, making it ideal for formal gatherings, cocktail receptions, or social events.

Dining Room

A versatile space featuring carved archways, a built-in stage, and elegant design elements, making it ideal for large receptions, seated dinners, or formal events.

Salon

An elegant and historic space known for its intricate design, including high ceilings, ornate details, and large windows that create a bright and airy atmosphere.

Garden

The Garden at The Ebell of Los Angeles is a beautifully landscaped outdoor space that provides a serene and picturesque setting for weddings, cocktail receptions, and ceremonies.

Campus Spaces
SUPPORT US
We are ever grateful to those who support The Ebell.

Our donors enable us to fulfill our vital mission set forth by our founders in 1894. Our donors’ visionary leadership and essential generosity make it possible for The Ebell to fulfill the promises of our past and ensure The Ebell remains a vibrant home for performing and visual arts, scholarship, and civic leadership for future generations.

Now and always, we offer our profound gratitude!

Donate
Supporting
programming
PARTNERSHIPS
Our Partners

We believe we are stronger when we work together, building community through deep andsustained collaboration with one another. We partner with a network of organizations who uplift Los Angeles through arts, learning, service, and civic engagement. These organizations demonstrate a commitment to empowering women, building bridges between communities and advancing cultural engagement and learning for all Angelenos.

Our Partners
Our Timeline
Our Founding

The Ebell was founded by Harriet W. R. Strong, Clara Burdette, Alice Parsons, Emmie Parsons and Franklina Bartlett. with Strong serving as its first President. A pioneering entrepreneur, she became the country’s leading walnut producer, earning her the title "Walnut Queen."

1894
1897
Ebell's First Home

The Ebell’s first campus is built at 724 South Broadway. The building is described as a “modified Greek temple.”

Larger Campus Built

Architects Hunt and Eager are commissioned to design a larger campus located at 1719 South Figueroa Street. This location was occupied by the Club until 1927.

1905
1908
LA Red Cross

The Los Angeles Chapter of the California Red Cross is created with the help of the Ebell Club.

Rest Cottage Association

The Ebell’s philanthropic organization, The Rest Cottage Association, is created to provide aid to “women in need of loving care.” The RCA was started in a cottage on West 95th Street.

1918
1919
The Ebell Scholarship Fund

Ebell Friends was created as the public charity identity of The Ebell of Los Angeles. 

Julia Morgan Designs RCA

Julia Morgan, famed architect of San Simeon, designed a new building for the Rest Cottage Association, located at 135 North Park View Street.

1924
1927
Architect Sumner Hunt Design Present Building

Architect Sumner Hunt designs the Club’s present location, located at 4400 Wilshire Boulevard.

Iron Masterpiece By John William Chard

An iron masterpiece designed by John William Chard is placed in position at the campus main entrance.

1928
1929
The Art Salon

The Art Salon is established with the purpose of fostering an atmosphere of art and appreciation. The Art Salon is regarded as one of the first art galleries in Los Angeles.

The Fountain Of Honor

The Fountain of Honor is designed by Henry Lion in memory of Ebell members’ sons, husbands and brothers whose lives were lost in World War I.

1930
1934
Judy Garland Discovered

Baby Frances Gumm, better known as Judy Garland, was discovered on the Wilshire Ebell Theatre stage by MGM producer, George Sidney.

Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart gives her last public speech in the Fine Arts Gallery of the Ebell, prior to her ill-fated flight around the world.

1937
1940
War Bonds!

During World War II Ebell members sold more War Bonds than any other women’s club. During this time the Ebell basement is also used as an air-raid shelter and USO dances are held in the Solarium.

Los Angeles Cultural Monument

The Ebell is designated a Los Angeles Cultural Monument

1982
1994
National Register

The Ebell is placed on the National Register of Historic Places

Official American Treasure

The Ebell is named an Official American Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the White House Millennium Council

1999
2009
Rita Moreno Lifetime Award

Rita Moreno awarded the Ebell Lifetime Achievement Award

First Lady Michelle Obama And Jill Biden

First Lady, Michelle Obama, and Jill Biden visit The Ebell and Wilshire Ebell Theatre for a special celebratory event, An Evening with Michelle Obama

2010
2019
Ebell Friends

Ebell Friends a 501C3 was founded in 2019 to establish an endowment for the preservation and restoration of our historic building.


Covid Closure

March 2020 The Ebell campus was closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020
2020
Debbie Allen Opening Address

Debbie Allen delivered the Opening Day Address for 2020 over Zoom. Allen was chosen for 43rd 2021 Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing her lifetime of achievement in the arts.

Mayor-Elect Karen Bass Holds 1st Press Conference

Karen Bass holds her first press conference as Mayor-Elect at The Ebell on Novemer 17, 2022 with a cheering group of supporters behind her. Bass is Los Angeles's first female Mayor.

2022
2023
Ebell-Comissioned Operetta Debuts At Ebell Theatre

An operetta commissioned by The Ebell celebrated three influential women of the 1920s-30s: Latina actress Dolores del Río, African-American publisher Charlotta Bass, and Asian-American aviator Katherine Cheung.