The National Woman's Christian Temperance Union (NWCTU) was started in 1874, to educate all people,
with the help of God, to total abstinence from alcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco as a way of life.

NWCTU is a non-partisan, non-denominational, non-proFt organization. ("Woman's" in the organization
name means each individual woman makes a commitment to total abstinence.) NWCTU celebrates 150
years of continuous witness for Christ in both public and private life, “banding Christian women together
for the protection of the home.” WCTU is a worldwide fellowship, active in 64 countries, and was honored
by a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Frances Willard was the 2nd National WCTU President and believed that women, as the moral guardians
of the home, should be involved in public and political activity. She increased the reform activity initiated
by the WCTU with choices for local chapters.

NWCTU's Administration Building in Evanston, Illinois holds its Library and Archives. The collection is
extensive and is accessible to researchers. Many have come from around the world to learn more about
women's history, including prohibition movement, the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, and the work of the WCTU which gave women the right to vote, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.