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The Museum
Over a century of sisterhood.
Nine founders, one charter, three words — and 118 years of women becoming the greatest versions of themselves.
1908 · Oxford, Ohio
It began with nine friends.
In the autumn of 1908, nine students gathered in a borrowed parlor and asked a simple question: what should college make of a woman? Their answer became our charter — friendship that holds, learning that matters, and conduct that never wavers.
They called themselves Aurelia Crest, for the golden standard they set for one another. Within a decade, chapters stretched from Ohio to the coasts, each one carrying the same three words forward.
Timeline
Milestones of the Crest.
1908
The founding
Nine women sign the charter in Oxford, Ohio, establishing the Alpha chapter and the three cardinal values.
1924
Coast to coast
The twentieth chapter is chartered, and the first national convention gathers 300 sisters under one roof.
1954
Headquarters home
General Headquarters opens at 12 Founders Row, housing the archives, the museum collection, and a growing staff.
1975
The Foundation
Sisters establish the Aurelia Crest Foundation, awarding its first $10,000 in scholarships — now more than $4 million and counting.
2008
The centennial
One hundred years of sisterhood celebrated with a year of service: 100,000 volunteer hours logged across every chapter.
2026
The second century
More than 140 chapters strong, with Rising Aurelia guiding every new member — and the best years still ahead.
Visit
The museum at Headquarters.
Original charters, century-old badges, convention banners, and the borrowed parlor chair where it all began — the Aurelia Crest Museum preserves the artifacts of 118 years. Tours run weekdays by appointment and during Founders Day weekend.
History is still being written.
Join the sisterhood and add your chapter to the story.