New York State Federation of Home Bureaus

The New York Federation of Home Bureaus, INC., was started by Ruby Green Smith in 1919, in Ithaca, NY. The Federation supports women and gives them the tools and skills needed to build a better life within the home and community. Taking care of your neighbors and giving back to the community are ideals for the Federation and its members.

In 1921, the New York State Federation of Home Bureaus, Inc. started a scholarship program for counties in New York State. Since 1921, contributions were made to the scholarship fund across the state. Until 1952, Home Bureau Scholarships were only available at Cornell University for students in the home economics department. In 1960, the first Home Bureau Scholarship was awarded at a two-year school. In the 1970’s scholarships were then offered to male students in home economics.
As of 2013, scholarship endowments have been established in over 45 colleges across New York State. In today’s modern world, scholarship criteria has evolved and is offered to many different majors and programs not limited to home economics. The broadened categories reflect the change in additional career choices for men and women. Each New York State Federation of Home Bureau Scholarship is named for women and counties who have done outstanding work for the Federation.
In 1963, the Jefferson County Home Bureau was organized. Mrs. Herman Platt, Mrs. Arthur Flachsland, and Mrs. Dorothy Everett built the foundation of the Jefferson County Home Bureau that exists today and makes the offering of the scholarship at Jefferson Community College possible.