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Northumberland County History

Cooperative Extension in Northumberland County was establihed in 1917, but it took an additional 19 years for the first 4-H clubs to begin. In the early days, clubs were divided by gender…boys generally participated in agricultural-based programs as girls completed home economics projects such as sewing, foods and nutrition and canning. Leadership, however, has always been a vital aspect of Northumberland County 4-H. According to a 1943 Annual Report written by Rose Zita Svirbely, Home Economist, "One hundred twenty Club members attended the 4-H Officers' Training meeting for the purpose of discussing the importance of good leadership as 4-H Club members." This tradition of leadership development continued to blossom for the next 60 years.

By the 1960's, both boys and girls were participating in and completing projects such as Animal Husbandry, Dairy Science, Tasty Snacks, Handyman, and Small Engine projects. As agriculture and demographics changed over time, 4-H and Extension Agents had to adapt to the changing environment.

Although traditional farming may be changing and the number of farms in the county dropped from 2,589 in 1920 to 675 in 1992, 4-H has continued to grow and prosper in the county through classic community 4-H clubs, school enrichment programs and summer day camp programs. Today's projects still stress leadership and education through Horse and Horsemanship, Shooting Sports, Embryology, Wildlife and Water Conservation, and, happily, livestock projects.

What changes come in the next 100 years of 4-H is unknown, but whit is known is that the Northumberland County Cooperative Extension Staff, 4-H'ers and 4-H Leaders will be ready for them.

Contributed by: Samuel D. Nicola