4-H HISTORY
4-H, as we know it, began around 1900 as a means of reaching
parents with improved farm and home practices. American farmers
had experienced poor economic times for 30 years. It was risky
business for them to try a newly recommended farm practice. In
1902, a few midwestern school teachers developed some crop demonstrations
with their students who in turn shared their successes with their
parents.
These school projects developed small groups covering a single
topic such as beef, corn, gardening, or canning. By 1909 some
of these groups were called 3-H clubs, and in 1911 the name of
4-H was adopted.
There were corn clubs in Wisconsin as early as 1904. The first
county agents were hired about 1915  and the first Wisconsin State
4-H Leader was hired in 1914.
A plan of organizing boys' and girls' agricultural clubs in
Wisconsin was later adopted. This plan called for definite organization
with the usual club officers, an adult leader, regular meetings,
and a series of projects. Clubs were organized in schools and
rural communities under the direction of the local teachers.
Have 4-H objectives changed since its early days?
Yes! Today the objective is the development of young people
by providing a wide variety of learning opportunities in which
all youth can participate. 4-H is for all youth, whether they
live in the city or in the country.
Contact Amber Rehberg for more information. Email: amber.rehberg@ces.uwex.edu
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