Going through 75 years of the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club’s history reveals that the members were never just a bunch of ladies who lunch.

“It was pretty fascinating when we started doing the research. We didn’t realize how rich the club was,” said former president Elaine Botelho.

A year ago, the members began preparing for the club’s Diamond Jubilee, aka 75th anniversary.

A season of events kicked off on Sunday with a screening of a new documentary outlining the group’s activities over the years.

Founded in 1941 by Zita Keller, the Woman’s Club had 15 original members, but that number grew quickly with 70 women signing the charter.

“You have to understand, it was the only game in town,” said current President Kathy McAuliffe.

At the time, the cost was 50 cents for new, non-charter members with $1.25 annual dues.

And 1941 was a pivotal time for women in America’s history, said Kay Smith.

“There was a frustration that women didn’t matter. It was a man’s world,” she said. “In those days, your life really revolved around your husband and your children and your family. [The club] was a place to just be women and get away from family responsibilities.”

The early members set up four pillars that continue to be fundamental to the club’s operations: educational, civic, philanthropic and social.

“They wanted to have a social group and also to do something for the town,” said Smith, who wrote much of the script for the documentary.

The group was called to action when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. The club bought war bonds, wrapped bandages, visited veterans hospitals, made afghans for soldiers and more.

While the war effort and other philanthropic endeavors were often focused outside Mattapoisett’s borders, most of the club’s activities stayed close to home.

“We’re always involved with the civic part, what’s happening in the town…making the town a better place to live than it even is now,” said McAuliffe.

From the early days, the membership was concerned about public safety. Newsboys received safety vests to wear during deliveries, and in the ‘50s, the ladies wrote to the Selectmen expressing concern over the youth congregating at Shipyard Park at a time when there was a rise in crime across the country. The result was more lighting at the library and park and increased attention from the police.

Since 1969 they have been active in beautifying the town through gardening and were the first to landscape the triangular spot of land between Church Street Extension and Route 6.

They helped pay for the building of the gazebo and benches at Shipyard Park, and donated to the bike path and the renovation of the library.

The garden group within the club continues to plant flowers around town and plans to increase its efforts this year as part of the anniversary.

The club has also made its mark on education in town. The women started a scholarship fund soon after the organization began with the first recipient a Center School student who received $5. By 1944 that amount was up to $50 for a high school graduate, and this year, the club will award high school seniors a total of $4,000.

Women who want to continue their education are also encouraged to apply for a scholarship.

Beyond the classroom, the women have focused on educating themselves with programs on investing and estate planning, healthy living programs, Red Cross training, and through the popular co-ed Great Decisions group, discussing current events.

Over the years many strong women have helped to shape the club, including Eleanor Ross, an early president who later became president of the Massachusetts Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Ross, who said “freedom and responsibility, you can’t have one without the other” was strong on prison and social reform.

“That really put our club on the mark with the federation,” said one member.

Of course, the group also takes its social activities seriously. Over the years there have been dances and balls, pie parties and potlucks, lobster boils and a luau.

The group continues to pattern itself, sometimes subconsciously, on the work of members past. The members still hold to the same fourfold focus that guided their predecessors, they still meet at the Congregational Church’s Reynard Hall, as they have since 1959, and they still welcome any and all who want to join.

Smith adds that men can sign up, too.

“There’s nothing in the Women’s Club bylaws that says a man can’t join.”

Currently, the club is still all women, and they have several activities planned around the Diamond Jubilee.

In June, the women will hold their biannual garden tour followed by a tea in October and a fall planting at Center School in memory of teacher and club member Suzanne Sylvester.

Throughout the process of preparing for this celebration, McAuliffe said she has gained a new love for the club.

“I so much more appreciate the club and what it stood for and what it stands for today.”