The Altrusa Club of Door County was formed after five friends – Margaret “Peg” Turk, Sonya Jorns, Carol DeVault, and the late Sue Ritchie and Ann Jerdee – who were interested in starting an organization in Door County, began inviting others to join them. In June of 1988, the Altrusa Club of Door County was formed and chartered.

Altrusa International itself was founded in 1917 in Nashville, Tennessee, originally as the Altrusa Institute. Altrusa International of Door County is a member of District Seven of Altrusa International.

The club has been active in various community service projects, with a strong focus on literacy and education. We continue to contribute significantly to the local community through various initiatives and programs.

The Door County club functions with a Board of Directors, a strong committee system, and monthly membership meetings. This allows every member to be personally involved in club projects and decisions. General membership meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at various Door County locations. The meeting starts at 6:00 p.m., with time for socializing at 5:30 p.m. Each meeting is packed with food, fun, laughter, and purpose.

In 1999, the club formed a foundation, Altrusa International Foundation of Door County, WI, Inc., a tax-exempt 501c(3) organization. The Foundation functions with its own Board of Directors, who meet once a year.