Gertrude Sumner Ely (1876–1970) was an American social activist, humanitarian, and political figure known for her service during both World Wars and her leadership within the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the New Deal.
Early Life and Education Born on July 22, 1876, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Ely was educated at Bryn Mawr College, where she graduated in 1899. Following her graduation, she became active in various social and civic causes in Pennsylvania.
World War I Service During World War I, Ely volunteered with the YMCA to serve in France. She operated canteens and provided support to soldiers near the front lines, often working under hazardous conditions. For her bravery and service, the French government twice awarded her the Croix de Guerre. She is frequently cited as the first American woman to receive this military decoration.
Political and Administrative Career In the 1920s and 1930s, Ely became a prominent figure in the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters. During the Great Depression, she was appointed by the Roosevelt administration as the State Director of Women’s and Professional Projects for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in Pennsylvania. In this capacity, she managed a wide range of programs designed to provide employment for women and white-collar professionals, including sewing rooms, school lunch programs, and arts initiatives. During this period, she maintained a close professional and personal relationship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
World War II and Later Life At the age of 67, Ely returned to overseas service during World War II, working with the American Red Cross in North Africa and Italy. Following the war, she continued her involvement in international humanitarian efforts, particularly through her support of the United Nations and UNICEF.
Legacy Ely remained active in social and political causes until her death on October 26, 1970, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Her personal papers and correspondence are archived at Bryn Mawr College, documenting her contributions to 20th-century American social welfare and women's political participation.