Gabriella C. Gilbert

Born on October 20, 1864 in Petersburg, VA, Gabriella C. Gilbert moved to Harrisburg in the 1880's. In 1898, Gilbert began hosting regular gatherings of women in her home to discuss strategies for improving the city. This group eventually organized as the Civic Club of Harrisburg.

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With Gilbert as its first president, the Civic Club worked to improve Harrisburg with new dumpsters, water fountains, and many other beautification efforts. Gilbert also chaired the Harrisburg Chapter of the American Red Cross and led collaborations with the Civic Club to serve the military during World War I. When she died on February 25, 1951, she was widely regarded as a major contributor to civic improvements in Harrisburg.