About — George Washington Carver Center

What Inspired It All

In 1946, Ora Porter and Coley Hutcherson, along with the help of other founding members, formed the George Washington Carver Club to honor the former scientist, humanitarian, inventor, and environmentalist. His findings in crop rotation revolutionized crop production and soil quality, and his methods are still used today. His scientific discoveries helped save many farms in the South.

When the club first started, the ladies took turns hosting the meetings at each other’s homes. Refreshments were served, and there was a guest speaker or a presentation. The founders wanted to create an environment that would cultivate the minds of their youth and foster a safe place away from the pressures of discrimination and segregation.

Our Mission

With our founder’s vision in mind, the George Washington Carver Center vowed:

To promote and foster mutual understanding and goodwill among the people.
To engage in activities that raise the standard of civic morality, heritage, and community welfare through educational programs.
To engage in any and all types of activities not prohibited by law, which promotes and fosters good citizenship among its members, the youth, and all interested community members.
To furnish recreational and social facilities for the community.

Years Following Our Start

Four years later, the founders worked together, with the help of their community, to purchase a building at the corner of 2nd and Center streets in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The new building allowed them to establish a neighborhood center where their friends and families can have clean and wholesome recreation. The George Washington Carver Club then became the George Washington Carver Center.

Due to later urban renewal projects in the late 1980s, the center was asked to relocate. The current facility is located in the heart of the ShakeRag district, a historic neighborhood in downtown Bowling Green. This historic area was created as a safe haven away from the pressures of discrimination and segregation. We not only strive to preserve our local history but also to celebrate it. ShakeRag is a reminder of the progress citizens made despite social and economical hardships. The center now houses artifacts from Carver Center, Old State Street Gym, State Street Baptist Church, Ora Porter Park, and Southern Queen Hotel. Although the city and times have changed, we still remain true to our mission.