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The Birth of 4-H
In 1902, A.B. Graham started a boys and girls program to teach the upcoming generations about agriculture. The first clubs were called "The Tomato Club" and the "Corn Growing Clubs". Photo by Elizabeth Buckley -
Creation of the Clover
In 1910, Jessie Field Shambaugh developed the clover pin with an "H" on each leaf. They stand for head, heart, hands, and health to signify that the program invites its participants to practice all four "H's" to realize their full potential. This remains the iconic 4-H symbol, and a 4-H pledge was created from it. -
The Cooperative Extension Gets Involved
In 1914, the Cooperative Extension System became an integral part of 4-H. Before this point, 4-H was small with only about five groups with 10-15 members, but it had started to grow quickly. People realized that 4-H qualified to be included under Cooperative Extension because it was an activity that promoted learning outside of the classroom. -
A Busy Year
More clubs were created throughout the United States, and the 4-H emblem became officially adopted. 4-H partnered with the National Institute for Food & Agriculture within the United States Department of Agriculture, who partner with over 100 land-grant Universities in 3,000 county's. 4-H began to grow at this point in history. Photo from OSU Special Collection & Archives -
Videos are a Breakthrough Hit!
In the 1950's, videos and radio became a huge part of the modern world, and were integrated throughout the culture in America. 4-H used the new technology as an aid to learning. The members responded well to the new technology, and the new form of learning and watched various videos on agriculture. Today, we use a more interactive form of technology such as the internet or slide shows to give 4-Her's another form of learning with technology. Photo from KMBC News -
A Segregation-Free USA
4-H vowed to desegregate it's programs and clubs in 1965. It has kept its promise and works hard to incorporate all people into the program regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or any social "boundary". in 2015, there were 1.8 million members enrolled in urban cities, 1.6 million in a suburban area or town, and 2.6 million in rural farms. 4-H has begun expanding its reach across America, and continues to reach further to broaden its membership and diversity. Photo by Texas A&M University -
4-H Continues to Grow
4-H set a new record in their membership enrollment. It peaks in 1974, with 7.5 million people enrolled in 4-H across the United States. Jennifer Fimbel, the former 4-H educator of Dutchess County said "This was a very busy time for 4-H, and I specifically remember lots of kids being in the camps during that chunk of time." Photo by Kelly Parker -
4-H Financially Expands
4-H clubs and programs were offically included in the Cooperative Extension's financials under the FAA. This inclusion helped 4-H to expand tremenously. Today,the network of 500,000 volunteers and 3,500 4‑H professionals provides supportive mentoring to the 6 million 4‑H'ers, helping them hone their skills, and become better leader for the future. Photo by Hacktweeters -
"Sea of Red" defends 4-H Programs from Budget Cuts
1991, former County Executive Lucille Pattison, wanted to cut Cornell Cooperative Extension funding by 75%, and this would have made dozens of people lose their jobs, causing the programs to collapse. The CCE as an entire program banded together when Pattison pitched the idea during a conference. The staff, members, and entire 4-H families dressed in red to protest the cut in their programs. Their picture was taken for the Poughkeepsie Journal and it was described as “a sea of red." -
4-H is Financially Strong
4-H has a lot of help with their funding in 1994, and they are going strong without much government assistance due to their abundant amount of volunteers. Many businesses, and individuals became integral to the financial stability of the 4-H programs. Today, volunteers and frequent donors still hold a prevalent stance within the 4-H community. They have a list of doners on their website at [(www.4-h.org/)] Photo by Don Cookingham -
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A Rise in Enrollment
Cassie Massina, 4-H alumna, 4-H Educator, 4-H club leader, explains that there has been a rise in enrollment from 2014-2016. Fimbel agrees with Messina that there has been a recent incline, however she notices there have been variations in enrollment, leaders, volunteers and sponsors over the decades. -
4-H in Today's World
4-H continues to grow throughout the United States, constantly adding to and altering their programs to better suit the needs of today's members. Lisa Goss-Ritter, leader of the Barn Bratz 4-H Club and 4-H alumna, said "4-H has grown and shifted so much since when I was young." This is a testimony to the truth behind their motto: Making the Best Better.
